Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is responsible for 1.3 million deaths worldwide annually. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women. An estimated 173,700 new cases of lung cancer and an estimated 160,440 deaths from lung cancer will occur in the United States. It claims more lives each year than colon, prostate, lymph and breast cancers combined.Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk.Asbestos can cause a variety of lung diseases, including lung cancer. There is a synergistic effect between tobacco smoking.
The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing (including coughing up blood), chest pain ,repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis and weight loss. Many lung cancers have a rich blood supply. The surface of the cancer may be breakable, leading to bleeding from the cancer into the airway. Treatment for lung cancer depends on the cancer’s specific cell type, how far it has spread, and the patient’s performance status. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Wedge resection to remove a small section of lung that contains the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. Lobectomy to remove the entire lobe of one lung. Pneumonectomy to remove an entire lung. Bevacizumab stops a tumor from making a new blood supply.
Bevacizumab is usually used in combination with chemotherapy and is approved for advanced and recurrent non-small cell lung cancer. Photodynamic therapy—(PDT) may be particularly useful for the care of persons with inoperable lung cancer. Photodynamic therapy inaugurated with the injection of a light-activated drug (e.g., photofrin/polyhaematoporphyrin, lumin). Elecctrosurgery is surgery performed using a needle, bulb, or disk electrode. Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Choose a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. At least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Biking, swimming and walking are excellent choices. Stop smoking now. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve smoked for years.
Lung Cancer Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Stop smoking now. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer.
2. Avoid areas where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants.
3. Choose a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
4. Exercise daily biking, swimming and walking are excellent choices.
5. Avoid carcinogens at work. Take precautions to protect yourself.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for Diseases. She also writes articles for Makeup and Hairstyles.