World Lung Cancer Day
Every year, the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers notes and celebrates World Lung Cancer Day, which was held on August 1. Lung cancer is responsible for nearly one in every five cancer deaths, per year, according to the World Health Organization, underscoring the wide-spread and dangerous nature of lung cancer.
While lung cancer and breast cancer are diagnosed by physicians and confirmed by oncologists, such as the ones at Comprehensive at the same rate (11.6 percent), lung cancer kills more people yearly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Lung cancer mortality is projected to reach 2.45 million by 2030, a 39 percent increase in approximately ten years.
From diagnosis and treatment experience, Comprehensive is aware the single greatest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Eighty percent of all lung cancer cases are found to be caused by smoking. Additionally, other risk factors include environment and genetics. Exposure to toxins including asbestos, radon, arsenic and uranium each have been linked to lung cancer. Lung cancer risks also increases with history of cancer in other parts of the body. Other factors include age, family history, lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exposure of radiation to the chest.
There are many risk factors to lung cancer, but many of these risks can be reduced by lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, as well as making changes in workplaces to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. Comprehensive is appreciative of movements, such as World Lung Cancer Day, that shine a light on lung cancer and work diligently to raise awareness to help reduce these risks.
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Comprehensive Cancer encourages everyone to learn more about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer to encourage early diagnoses, if cases present. Comprehensive urges everyone to look out for friends and family members who have any of these symptoms as well. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult a physician:
- Cough that does not go away
- Chest pain, made worse by deep breathing, coughing or laughing
- Hoarseness that persists
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Bloody or rust colored sputum (found in saliva when you cough)
- New onset of wheezing or shortness of breath
- Reoccurring infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia
If signs and symptoms are found, Comprehensive Cancer Centers offers screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for people at high risk for lung cancer, the only recommended screening test for the disease.
LDCT is used to find nodules in the lungs and takes many pictures of the inside of your body from different angles using x-rays. The amount of radiation used is much lower than standard doses of a CT scan.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada provide a variety of treatment options for lung cancer including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, as well as clinical research for the treatment of cancer. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
