Each year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with lung cancer, but thanks to testing, the disease can be spotted early on, which leads to more treatment options and increased survival rates. There are many risk factors associated with this disease, such as smoking, genetics, and hazardous work environments. The stage of a patient’s lung cancer will determine what treatments they need to take, in addition to their life expectancy. Each year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with lung cancer, but thanks to testing, the disease can be spotted early on, which leads to more treatment options and increased survival rates. There are many risk factors associated with this disease, such as smoking, genetics, and hazardous work environments. The stage of a patient’s lung cancer will determine what treatments they need to take, in addition to their life expectancy. This is a disease that develops due to an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one, or both, of the lungs. The growth of abnormal cells interferes with normal lung function, and prevents healthy lung tissue from developing. As the abnormal cells continue to grow, they will form tumors and disrupt lung functioning, a process that provides oxygen to the body via blood. Although there is no sure cause of lung cancer, there are many factors that increase a person’s odds of developing the disease. Here are some of the most common risk factors associated with lung cancer:
• Smoking
• Secondhand Smoke
• Radon Exposure
• Workplace Exposures to Asbestos, Diesel Exhaust, and other Chemicals
• Air Pollution
• Genetics
Due to the large size of the lungs, it is possible for tumors to grow in them for long periods of time before being found. This is why when people encounter symptoms associated with lung cancer, they should not assume they are normal, or due to other causes. It is imperative that you or your loved one see a physician immediately to have testing done. Remember that spotting the disease early on can improve treatment options and survival rates. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with lung cancer:
• Persistent or Intense Coughing
• Chest and Shoulder Pain
• Changes in Color or Volume of Sputum
• Voice Changes or Becoming Hoarse
• Coughing up Blood, Phlegm, or Mucus
• Bronchitis, Pneumonia, or other Recurrent Lung Problems
• Shortness of Breath There are two types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small lung cancer accounts for a majority of cancer cases.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages:
• Stage I – Cancer is only in the lungs
• Stage II – The cancer is in the lungs and some lymph nodes
• Stage III – Cancer in the lungs and chest area lymph nodes
• Stage IV – Advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, the cancer has spread to both lungs
Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages: •
• Limited Stage – The cancer is found on one side of the chest, and it only involves one part of the lung
• Extensive Stage – At this stage, the cancer has spread to more regions of a person’s chest, and other body parts
Life Expectancy
The type of lung cancer that your loved one is living with, in addition to its stage, will determine her life expectancy. Her age, weight, family history, and ethnicity are other factors associated with survival rates. According to the American Cancer Society, patients are given a five-year survival rate, but many people live much longer than five years after being diagnosed with lung cancer. To understand more about this disease, you should speak with your family doctor. He will help you understand lung cancer in more depth, as it pertains to your specific situation. We are also here to provide you with as much information as you need, as well as other assistance
