Lung Cancer Awareness

Lung Cancer Awareness

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and aims to get people talking about lung cancer, all in an effort to raise much-needed awareness. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the US. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

According to the American Lung Association (ALA), many people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is in its later stages. Symptoms are different in each person, and may include:

• A cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse over time
• A chronic cough or “smoker’s cough”
• Hoarseness
• Constant chest pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Frequent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Coughing up blood

Some symptoms of lung cancer may not seem related to the lungs or breathing, but may still be a sign of lung cancer. These symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Bone pain or fractures
• Blood clots

Breathing about 25,000 times and inhaling approximately 2,400 gallons of air every day, the lungs are the only internal organ in constant contact with the environment outside the body; so it’s especially important to protect your lungs.

• Stop smoking: Cigarette smoking is the number one lung cancer risk factor. Don’t start smoking; quit smoking if you smoke; and avoid secondhand smoke.

• Be mindful of air pollution: Breathing in dangerous chemicals can cause lung cancer. The more chemicals you breathe in, the higher your lung cancer risk.

• Exercise: Daily aerobic exercise and breathing exercises are ways you can “work out” your lungs to their full capacity.

• Get checked regularly: Seek medical help on a regular basis to address any medical concerns or questions you might have.

See your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms or think you are a risk for lung cancer.

Call to schedule an appointment with one of our Pulmonologists at 765-485-8830.