Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in both men and women. It is also one of the deadliest, with a five-year survival rate of only 18 percent.
The good news is that lung cancer is preventable and treatable if it’s caught early. Here are 4 symptoms of lung cancer that you should be aware of!
About Lung Cancer:
Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Despite this sobering statistic, however, there is hope.
Thanks to advances in treatment and early detection, more people are surviving lung cancer than ever before. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with lung cancer has doubled over the past 40 years.
“Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; a very small number of people diagnosed are younger than 45. The average age of people when diagnosed is about 70.” –American Cancer Society
Types of Lung Cancer:
There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
1. NSCLC:
About 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancers are NSCLC. The two most common types of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of lung cancer starts in the cells that line the alveoli (air sacs)
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type of lung cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the air passages
2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC):
This type of lung cancer starts in the small, round cells that make up nerve tissue in the lungs. Small cell lung cancer is also called oat cell carcinoma. SCLC accounts for about 15 to 20 percent of all lung cancers.
Click here to consult online with a Lung Specialist via the Marham app today!
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages because it does not usually cause any symptoms. This is why it is so important to get regular screenings, especially if you are a smoker or have a family history of lung cancer.
If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, your treatment will depend on the type of lung cancer you have, as well as the stage of the disease. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
No matter what your diagnosis, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.
What are the 4 Symptoms of Lung Cancer that You Should be Aware of?
Here are the 4 symptoms of lung cancer that you should be aware of:
1. Coughing up blood:
This is perhaps the most well-known symptom of lung cancer. If you are coughing up blood, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
2. A persistent cough:
A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time can be a sign of lung cancer. If you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks, see your doctor.
3. Shortness of breath:
This is another common symptom of lung cancer. If you find yourself short of breath more often than usual, or if activities that used to be easy for you are now difficult, it’s time to see a doctor.
4. Chest pain:
This is another symptom that can be easily mistaken for something else, but if you’re experiencing chest pain that is new or getting worse, it’s important to have it checked out.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor right away. Early detection is key when it comes to lung cancer, so don’t wait!
Also, read What In Cigarettes Causes Lung Cancer?
How to Prevent Lung Cancer?
The best way to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke, but there are other things you can do to protect yourself from this disease. You can follow the following tips:
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products: If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. And if you smoke, do your best to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Limit your exposure to air pollution and other lung irritants: These include chemicals in cleaning products, dust, fumes from cars and trucks, and wood smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise: These habits can help keep your lungs healthy and improve your overall health.
- Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia: These infections can be serious, especially for people with lung disease.
If you have lung disease, it’s important to see your doctor regularly and follow your treatment plan. And if you’re at high risk for lung disease, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk.
Consult a Lung Specialist!
Lung cancer is a serious disease, but it is also preventable and treatable. If you are experiencing any of the 4 symptoms of lung cancer that you should be aware of listed above, please see a doctor right away.
Early detection is key when it comes to lung cancer, so don’t wait! Click here to book an online appointment with the Best Lung Specialists in Pakistan through the Marham app today easily.
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FAQs
What are some strange signs of lung cancer?
Lung cancer is not always easy to detect, which is why it can be so deadly. However, there are some signs and symptoms that may be indicative of the disease. For example: a persistent cough that doesn’t go away, chest pain, hoarseness, and weight loss.
How fast do lung tumors grow?
Lung cancer is a very aggressive disease and tumors can grow very quickly. In some cases, lung tumors can double in size in just a few weeks. This is why it’s so important to catch lung cancer early and get treatment right away.
Where does lung cancer usually start?
Lung cancer usually starts in the cells lining the air passages of the lungs. It can spread from there to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, brain, and bones.