03-12-2012, 05:22 PM
Lung Cancer
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What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women.
It is also the most preventable form of cancer.
Tobacco use accounts for 87% of lung cancers.
There are two major types of lung cancer:
1. Non-small cell lung cancer (87%)
2. Small cell lung cancer (13%)
Each grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently.
The American Cancer Society’s Estimates
Who Is At Risk?
Cigarette smoking is by far the greatest risk factor for lung cancer.
The longer a person uses tobacco and the more they use, the greater their risk.
If a person quits before cancer develops, the damaged lung tissue gradually improves.
Others at risk include:
Nonsmokers who breathe in secondhand smoke.
Occupational or environmental exposure to radon, asbestos, certain metals, radiation or air pollution. If people are exposed to the above carcinogens & also smoke, their risk is greatly increased.
Reducing Your Risk
Quitting tobacco use, or not starting at all, is by far the best way to prevent lung cancer.
Other ways to reduce your risk include:
Avoid secondhand tobacco smoke
Eat a healthy, balanced diet with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
Take protective measures against cancer-causing chemicals at work
Monitor indoor radon levels, especially in the home
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer may include:
Persistent cough
Sputum streaked with blood
Chest pain
Voice change
Recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis
These are also warning signs of other, less serious illnesses, so if they appear, they should be discussed with your doctor.
Detection
Because symptoms often do not appear until the disease has spread, early detection is difficult.
When lung cancer is diagnosedearly, it is usually a result oftests for unrelated conditions.
If lung cancer is suspected,tests such as a chest x-ray,analysis of cells in the phlegm,and a biopsy may be done.
Treatment
Treatment is most successful when cancer is detected early.
Often, two or more treatment methods are used.
Patients should thoroughly discuss treatment options with their doctors.
Treatment Options
Surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, and radiation—in combination or alone—are common treatments for lung cancer.
Surgery – An operation to remove cancer cells.
Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy rays to shrink or kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy – Uses anticancer drugs that attack cancer cells and normal cells. These drugs are usually given by injection or by mouth.
Treatment options depend on cancer type and stage of cancer.
Survival Rates
5-year localized survival rate is 49%
Localized cancer is cancer that, at the time of diagnosis, had not spread to additional sites within the body. Typically, the earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the more successful the treatment, thus enhancing the survival rate. Only 16% of lung cancers are diagnosed at this early stage.
5-year overall survival rate is 15%
The 5-year survival rates represent persons who are living 5 years after diagnosis, whether disease-free, in remission, or under treatment. They do not imply that 5-year survivors have been permanently cured of cancer.
Patient Concerns
People with lung cancer are often distressed about their physical appearance, including weight loss; the social stigma and guilt associated with tobacco use; and end of life issues due to the low survival rate.
Other concerns include:
Changes in what they are able to do after treatment
Impact on finances and loved ones
Fear of recurrence
Sleep difficulties
Pain
Depression
You Are Not Alone
In recent years, the quality of life for those who are living with cancer has
received increased attention.
No one has to make the cancer journey alone.
The American Cancer Society provides sources of information and support to cancer patients, their families, and friends. These include access to secure and private online chats, message boards, and support groups.
The Bottom Line
An estimated 45 million adults (21% of the population) are current smokers
Until tobacco use is sharply decreased, lung cancer will continue to be the number one cause of cancer death in the United States, killing more than 161,000 Americans every year.
Stopping the use of tobacco could nearly wipe out lung cancer.