BOOM! There goes lung cancer

Ohh Nooo! Lung Cancer 

   Did you know about  228,190 people died of lung cancer in the year of 2013? According to the Oxford Dictionary, "Cancer is caused by an uncontrolled division of the body" (A malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells). The most common cancer excluding skin cancer is lung cancer. It was estimated that in 2010 there would be 220,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the united states. 

   The most common cause of cancer deaths is lung cancer. It was estimated that in 2010 there would be about 157,300 deaths from lung cancer. This is greater than the number of deaths from breast cancer (41,230), prostate cancer (32,050), and colon & rectal cancers (51,370) combined. While many people dismiss lung cancer as a smoker's disease , it is important to note that 10-20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked, and the majority of people diagnosed with lung cancer at this time are former (not current) smokers. Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. The lungs are located in the chest. When you breathe, air goes through your nose, down your trachea (wind-pipe), and into the lungs, where it spreads through tubes called bronchi. Most lung cancer begins in the cells that line these tubes. There are usually no symptoms or warning signs in the early stages. The more you smoke, the more likely you are to get lung cancer.  

     First or second hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipe & exposure to asbestos (a type of mineral) or radon (radio active gas) can cause damage to the cells in the lungs, leading to lung cancer. Smoking, second hand smoking, chewing tobacco, being exposed to coal dust & certain air pollution arre factors that can increase the chance of getting lung cancer. 

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to lung cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. *Symptoms: a cough that doesn't go away and worsens over time, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breathe, wheezing, or hoarseness, repeating problems with pneumonia or bronchitis, swelling of neck or face, loss of appetite, weight loss, or fatigue. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will also ask questions about smoking history, exposure to environmental and occupational substances, and family history of cancer. Test may include Chest x-ray, sputum cytology, Spiral CT, Biopsy, Bronchoscopy, Needle aspiration, Thoracentesis, and Thoracotomy. 

Once lung cancer is found, staging tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread. Surgery involves removing the tumor and nearby tissue. Lymph nodes may also need to be removed. Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This may also be used to relieve symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This may be given in many forms, including pill injection, and via a catheter. Chemotherapy is often used to kill lung cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. 

To reduce your risk of getting lung cancer do not start smoking, if you smoke try your best to quit. Avoid places where people are smoking. Test your home for radon gases and asbestos. Have these substances removed if they are in the home. Do not work in a place with asbestos.

Please read Cynthia B's story about her fight with lung cancer.   Cynthia B.'s Story: