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What to look for…
As with most cancers, lung
cancer normally has no symptoms until it has spread significantly to other parts of the
body.
the ‘smoker's
cough’.
blood in mucus.
recurring bronchitis or
pneumonia.
shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent chest pain.
hoarseness.
swelling of the neck and
face.
pain and weakness in the
shoulder, arm, or hand.
if cancer has spread to
other parts of the body - fatigue, weakness, loss of weight, fever, very bad headaches, and pain.
This disease is extremely
common and is also one of the most preventable kinds of cancer. Nearly all cases of lung
cancer have had their cause firmly linked with smoking.
Lung tumours almost always
start in the bronchi, the airways of the lungs. And as such is called a primary cancer.
Causes
There are reputed to be
certain causes of this cancer. They are -
your genetic pattern.
smoking has been proven
to cause lung cancer
passive smoking can also
cause lung cancer, giving non-smokers who are with smokers a somewhat higher lung cancer
risk than others.
workers who are exposed
to asbestos, silica, mineral dusts, coal dust, arsenic, or the radioactive gas radon on a
daily basis are much more likely than the average person to develop lung cancer.
diet may also influence
lung cancer risk.
Traditional Treatments
If surgery is an option,
the patient has an excellent chance of surviving.
The challenge comes in
detecting lung cancer early enough to make surgery possible. (You can see our Cancer
section for more specific information on treatments).
There are a few factors to
consider before performing surgery. The doctor must look at the type of lung cancer and
how far it has spread and also on the patient's overall health. As well as that other
diseases and conditions may prevent surgery from being performed such as heart problems.
Complementary Therapies
Once conventional treatment
is under way, you may try alternative therapies to alleviate the pain, fear, and
discomfort of cancer.
Dietary Considerations
Some nutritional studies
suggest that certain vitamins and minerals offer protection against lung cancer. Various
antioxidants, including
vitamins C and E as well as beta carotene (vitamin A) and some other carotenoids, are believed
to protect the lungs from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke and other carcinogens.
Prevention
The best way to prevent
lung cancer is not to smoke.
When to seek further
professional advice
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