LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer occurs when the cells anywhere in the lung
start growing more rapidly than is normal and may affect
any part of the respiratory system. As these cells grow they
may invade other areas such as the nearby lymph nodes, the
other lung, or other organs.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both
men and women, with men being 25% more likely to develop it
than women. Black men are more likely to get lung cancer
than men of any other racial group.
About 90% of all lung cancers are caused by tobacco smoke!
Other causes are asbestos, radioactive dust, radon, and
arsenic. Fewer men are now smoking and the death rate for
them is declining but more women are smoking and their rate
is slowly increasing. Almost 50 million people smoke! That
is roughly one fourth of the population and 430,000 of those
will die each year!
Smokers increase their family's risk of lung cancer AND heart
disease. The risk of children dying from SIDS, having asthma,
ear infections, and respiratory problems is also increased..
The condition of children with allergies and/or asthma may become
worse if the parents smoke. Smoking can cause shortness of breath,
infertility and impotence. Smoking also adds to the risks of stroke,
heart attacks, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well as
other types of cancer such as cancer of the mouth, throat or esophagus.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
About one fourth of all people with lung cancer have no symptoms when
their cancer is diagnosed. These cancers are generally found when a
chest x-ray is done for some other reason. The other three fourths
of people develop some symptoms.
Symptoms of primary lung cancers include cough, coughing up blood,
chest pain, and shortness of breath.
A new cough in a smoker or former smoker should raise concern for
lung cancer.
A cough that lingers or worsens over time should not be ignored.
Coughing up of blood occurs in a many of people who have lung cancer
and ANY amount of coughed-up blood is a cause for alarm.
Chest pain also occurs in approximately one fourth of people with
lung cancer. The pain is a dull, aching, and persistent pain that can
also involve other structures surrounding your lung.
Shortness of breath may also occur which usually results from a blockage
in part of your lung, collection of fluid around your lung, or the
spread of tumor through your lungs.
Wheezing or hoarseness may signal blockage and/or inflammation in
the lungs that may also be a sign of cancer.
Repeated respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia,
can be a sign of lung cancer.
Other effects - Muscle weakness, skin rashes, and degeneration of
your brain
Weight loss
Fatigue
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Made with love March 15, 2004
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