Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Around 47,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK alone.
Although smoking cigarettes is a major factor, people who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer.
Risk factors and causes
There usually aren't any early symptoms of stomach cancer, but they can develop as the cancer progresses. These include...
+ A cough that doesn’t go away after 2 or 3 weeks
+ Chest infections that keep coming back
+ Coughing up blood
+ An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
+ Persistent breathlessness
+ Tiredness or lack of energy
+ Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
If you have any of these, please see a GP. Less common symptoms can also be...
+ Changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved
+ Difficulty or pain while swallowing
+ Wheezing
+ A hoarse voice
+ Swelling of your face or neck
+ Persistent chest or shoulder pain
Treatments
Did you know that smoking cigarettes is responsible for more than 70% cases of lung cancer? And that Tobacco smoke contains more than 60 different toxic substances that are known to cause cancer?
Other types of tobacco (such as cigars, pipe, chewing tobacco, etc.) also affect your risk of developing lung cancer and other kinds of cancer. Passive smoking (being exposed to otherpeople’s smoke) is dangerous too.
Another known cause for lung cancer is occupational exposure. This means being exposed to certain chemicals and substances such as asbestos, silica, coal and coke fumes, etc. - at work.
Living in a big city or generally speaking any area with high levels of nitrogen oxide gases - mostly produced by cars and other vehicles - has also been linked to lung cancer by the researchers.
According to Cancer Research UK current data shows that e-cigarettes might be a less harmful alternative for smokers as they do not contain tobacco. However, they're still not risk-free as we don't yet know their long-term effects.
Have you been diagnosed with lung
or any other kind of cancer?
Symptoms
After a lung cancer diagnosis please remember that there are treaments available and you are not alone.
The most common treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. They can be combined depending on the type of cancer and the stage.
A team of specialists will use the results of your futher tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you. They will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
There are also many charities and support groups dedicated to helping you navigate through your cancer journey. We as Sam's Diamonds provide social media as well as in person support, information, meet-ups and much more! Click here to become a Diamond.
Cites Sources
“Lung Cancer Among People Who Never Smoked.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/nonsmokers/index.htm.
“Lung cancer - Causes.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/causes/.
“Lung cancer - Symptoms.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms/.
“Lung cancer - Treatment.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/treatment/.
“NHS 111 Wales - Health A-Z : Cancer of the lung.” NHS 111 Wales, https://111.wales.nhs.uk/cancerofthelung/.