Lung Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Lung cancer is often diagnosed in the late stages of the disease, largely because there are few or no symptoms in the early stages. Having an awareness of the risks and reducing them, plus early detection, can change a person’s outcome.

57% of people with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage of lung cancer called distant metastasis, which means cancer has spread to other organs in the body. At this stage, lung cancer is much harder to treat.

Reducing the Risk of Lung Cancer

The most common cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which is linked to 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Those who quit smoking have a lower risk of lung cancer than if they had continued to smoke. But still the risk is higher than who never smoked.

Ultimately, quitting smoking at any age lowers the risk of lung cancer.

Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20–30%. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke and even short-term exposure potentially can increase the risk of heart attacks.

The only way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is to eliminate smoking in indoor workplaces and public places and by creating smoke-free environment.

Get screened for lung cancer before you experience symptoms

Early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer is very important in cancer treatment planning and can improve patients’ chance for successful outcome.

Lung screening eligibility – We recommend lung cancer screening for men and women who meet all of the following criteria:

• 50 years of age or older
• History of smoking one pack a day for 20 years
• Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years or less
• Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• Even with no other lung diseases

Consult doctor as soon as you notice signs and symptoms of lung cancer

Lung cancer typically doesn’t cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur when the disease is advanced. Signs of lung cancer may include:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Coughing up blood

Sometimes, smokers get used to a “smokers cough” and chalk it up as normal. It may not be. Don’t ignore signs of lung cancer & contact your cancer doctor nearby.

Bottom line…

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer at the very early stage, then getting to the doctor as soon as you notice symptoms may give you the opportunity to begin treatment before it worsens.

Early-stage lung cancers have the greatest chance of survival. However, you will always need to be on the lookout for recurrence, as once you have it, it might return.