One of the most widespread and common forms of cancer, which is caused by the formation of cancerous cells that develop from the lungs is Lung Cancer. The abnormal cells found in the air passage grow and multiply fast resulting in tumors. Usually, there are no symptoms in the initial stage, but gradually as the tumor grows in size, they tend to vitiate the lungs’ ability to provide oxygen into the blood system.
Its Symptoms
- Chronic stubborn cough that fails to go away and worsens with time.
- Chronic chest pain.
- Problems or difficulty in breathing
- Short of breath or constant feeling of tiredness and weakness.
- Unexpected weight loss.
- Headache accompanied by joint and body pain
- Red strains of blood found in sputum.
What is Cancer Prevention? How does it work?
Basically, there are 3 factors in causing Cancer-
- Causative Factor- The direct evident cause of a cancer type forms the causative one.
- Risk factors- These are the factors that increase the chances or risks of getting cancer there are both avoidable and non-avoidable.
- Smoking and genetic causes are both risk factors for lung cancer in which only smoking can be avoided.
- Protective factor- As per its name, it provides defense against a particular cancer type by decreasing the chances of getting it. Like- regular exercise, healthy and balanced diet.
Preventive Measures
- Stop Smoking- Stay away from tobacco. Studies show 90% of all lung cancer cases are the direct causative factor caused by cigarette smoking. Of all who develop lung cancer half of them are smokers or people who used to smoke. It is also true that the other half are non- smokers. Despite the smoking history one should stay away from the risk factors that can put them or their family in jeopardy.
- Avoid Passive smoking- Stay away from smokers. Second hand smoking is another major factor resulting in lung cancer.
- Keep away from Radon exposure- Radonis a radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in solid or rock. It is odourless and tasteless. If needed get your home tested and treated for it.
- Limit or try and avoid exposure to cancer causing agents-People working in asbestos as working in mines or textile mills are at higher risk. Polluted air or air pollution is another factor causing lung cancer. Higher levels of arsenic in drinking water are yet another factor.
- Limit Alcohol intake- As per studies consuming more than 7 beers or hard liquors in a day is risked to 11% more chances of getting the risk of lung cancer. Hence, drink moderately and in control.
- Eat Healthy diet- Switch from fast food and junk foodsto healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Regular Exercise- Being more physically active and keeping yourself fit builds up your energy and your lifestyle habits.
Some people who get Lung cancer do not have any clear risk factors. We do know how to prevent most lung cancers, but not all of them. So, prevention is always better than cure.