Lung Cancer By: Autumn Crawford

Symptoms Many people dismiss or adapt to a chronic cough, attributing it to something else. It is just allergies, a cough following a cold, or dry air during the winter months. But a cough that lasts more than a few weeks can be a sign of something else. A chronic cough as an early symptom of lung cancer. Coughing up blood is also a common symptom of lung cancer, but can easily miss it because of such a little amount. Also, a shortness of breath while participating in physical activities and pains in your chest, back or arm could also be indicators for lung cancer.

History Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide, lung cancer kills over 1 million people a year. Clearly, lung cancer is an important and widespread disease and a major public health problem. This was not always so. Around 150 years ago, it was an extremely rare disease. The link between the smoking of cigarettes and lung cancer began to be suspected by doctors in the 1930’s when they noticed the increase of this “unusual” disease.

How do you get it? Being near the asphalting of roads; the increase in traffic; and working with benzene or gasoline are causes of lung cancer. Living in an environment with high air pollution or working with radioactive materials or asbestos can also increase the risk of cancer. Research has helped us understand how these risk factors produce certain changes in the DNA of lung cells. These changes cause the cells to grow abnormally and form cancers. Even second hand smoke, inhaled from nearby smokers, can cause lung cancer. Studies have shown that non-smokers who are married to smokers have a 30% greater risk of developing lung cancer than spouses of non-smokers.

How is it diagnosed? When lung cancer is suspected, a physician will first perform a thorough history and physical exam. This is done to evaluate symptoms and risk factors for lung cancer, and to look for any physical signs suggestive of lung cancer. Also, lung cancer is often suspected after an abnormal spot is found on a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain.

How is it treated? Surgery is not usually done for small cell lung cancer unless tumours are found at a very early stage, before the cancer has started to spread. Surgery for non–small cell lung cancer can be done in several ways: -Wedge resection : The surgeon removes the tumour and a small part of the lung. -Lobectomy : The surgeon removes the lobe of the lung containing the tumour. This is the most common surgery for lung cancer. -Pneumonectomy : The surgeon removes the entire lung. You will be able to breathe with your remaining lung. There is also chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and photodynamic therapy which help to remove lung cancer.

How do you prevent it? -don’t smoke -avoid second hand smoke -test your home for radon -drink alcohol in moderation, if at all -exercise -eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables Certain occupations, such as mining and farming, expose people to fumes, radioactive dust, or other chemicals that may be harmful. Taking precautions to reduce your exposure to harmful substances in your environment can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Radiation therapy to the chest area can increase your risk.

The End