The Cancer of The Lungs

 Lungs Cancer  

Most lungs cancer cases is associated with the diseases of the lungs caused by smoking and other harmful chemical substances we inhale in our environment. It accounts for over 40% cases than any other cancer cases. Before I proceed, I want us to understand the lungs and how its function. 

 The Lungs The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest. The lungs main function is to help oxygen from the air we inhale enter the red blood cells in the blood. The red blood cells then carry oxygen around the body to be used in the cells in our body. The lungs also help to get rid of carbon dioxide gas we exhale.

 How lung cancer begins. 

 Lung cancer begins in the lungs and spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs can also spread to the lungs. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer. 

 Types of Lung Cancer 

There are two general types of lung cancer which are the small cell lung cancer and the non-small cell lung cancer. 

 * Small Cell Lung Cancer :- This type of lung cancer occurs mostly in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. 

 * Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:- Is a collective term used for several types of lung cancers that behave in similar way. They include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.

 Stages of Lung Cancer 

The four stages of lung cancer are: 

• Stage 1:- The tumor is generally smaller than 2 inches and the cancer is limited to the lung and has not spread to the lymph nodes. 
• Stage 2:- The tumor at this stage may have grown larger than 2 inches, or it may be a smaller tumor that involves nearby structures, such as the chest wall, diaphragm or the lining around the lungs (pleura). The cancer may also have spread to the nearby lymph nodes. 
• Stage 3:- The tumor at this stage may have grown very large and invaded other organs near the lungs. 
• Stage 4:- Cancer has spread beyond the affected lung to the other lung or to distant area of the body. 

 Causes of Lungs Cancer

• Smoking - Carcinogens e.g. cigarettes smoke, asbestos, radon 
• Genetics 
• Past lung disease
• Age- 65year or older 
• Second hand smoke
• Radiation therapy to the chest 

 Symptoms of Lungs Cancer

•  Shortness of breath
• An ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
• Weight loss 
• Loss of appetite 
• Fatigue 
• Ongoing chest infections
• Persistent cough, might be worse at different times of the day
• A change in a cough you have had for a long time. It might be more painful, have a different sound, bring up coloured mucus Coughing up blood. See your doctor straight away if this happens. 

 Risk Factors 

• Smoking
• Family history of lung cancer 
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to radon gas
• Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens 

 Treatments and Medications

• Surgery 
• Lobectomy; involves the removal of an entire lobe of the lung 
• Radiotherapy 
• Chemotherapy

 Prevention

• Stop smoking; quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you have smoked for years 
• Do not smoke; if you have never smoked, don't start
• Avoid secondhand smoke
• Avoid carcinogens at work
• Test your home for radon
• Eat a diet full of vegetables and fruits

• Exercise regularly