Almost every day some new research or study relating to lung cancer comes to the forefront. This life-threatening disease which, claims millions of lives each year results from an abnormality in our cells. While it is true that smoking is one of the principal causes of lung cancer, non-smokers can also get this deadly disease. In fact, lung cancer cases in non-smokers has doubled over the years due to change of proportions, a recent study suggests. So before, this dangerous illness gets to you or your loved ones, you should know about lung cancer-its symptoms, causes and treatment.
Lung cancer symptoms
• A cough that does not go away or gets worse
• New onset of wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• A hoarse voice
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired or weak
• Infections like pneumonia and bronchitis that have become persistent or come and go now and then
Lung cancer causes
Smoking cigarettes is the primary risk factor for lung cancer as it is accounts for more than 85% of all incidents. The tobacco contained in a cigarette has over 60 different toxic substances, which are known as carcinogenic or cancer-producing substances that may result in development of cancer.
Passive smoking also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. According to a study, non-smoking women with a smoking partner are at a 25% more higher risk of developing lung cancer as compared to non-smoking women who have non-smoking partner.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas is responsible for several all lung cancer death. If you breathe, it can damage your lungs, especially if you smoke.
Lung cancer treatment
This life-threatening can be treated in several ways depending on the type of lung cancer. Once the diagnosis is done, lung cancer treatment is carefully planned by health professionals and specialists.
• Surgery. An operation where doctors cut out cancer tissue.
• Chemotherapy. Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
• Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays to kill the cancer.
• Targeted therapy. Using drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins.
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