November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is lung cancer awareness month! Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Smokers have the highest risk of getting lung cancer although lung cancer can also occur in individuals who have never smoked. Risk of lung cancer increases with length of time and amount smoked.

Symptoms of lung cancer may include a new cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplainable loss of weight, hoarseness, bone pain and headaches. However, symptoms do not usually manifest during the early stages of lung cancer. They tend to appear when the disease has already advanced.

There are 2 main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer tends to occur only in heavy smokers and is less common. Non-small cell lung cancer is a general term for several other types of lung cancer including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.

Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, radiation therapy, exposure to radon gas or asbestos, and a familial history of lung cancer. The number one modifiable risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Quitting smoking can significantly lower the chance of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Complications of lung cancer include shortness of breath if the cancerous growth begins to block airways, coughing up blood due to bleeding in the airways, pain in other areas of the body such as bone if the cancer has metastasized and pleural effusion due to fluid buildup in the chest.

Although lung cancer has no direct prevention, individuals can reduce their risk by avoiding smoking, second hand smoke, testing homes for radon exposure, avoiding toxic chemicals or carcinogens in an occupational setting and choosing a healthy diet. Spread awareness about lung cancer and ways to mitigate risk!

References

Lung cancer - Symptoms and causes. (2022, March 22). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620