Did you know that lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide? At Verdi Cancer & Research Center of Texas, we believe lung cancer awareness is necessary for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Learn more about preventing lung cancer from the devoted oncology experts at Verdi Cancer & Research Center of Texas.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is caused by the development of abnormal cells and is one of the most common types of cancer. A leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, lung cancer is a significant public health challenge. Understanding the first signs of lung cancer is essential to help detect lung cancer early and to reduce the risk of mortality from the disease.
Who is at the Highest Risk of Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer most often targets those with the highest risk factors, including smokers, former smokers, and those who received frequent exposure to secondhand smoke. Additionally, it seems that high doses of radiation and those with a family history of lung cancer are more often targets of the disease.
Additional risk factors include poor diet and those who work or live near high radon levels. Other substances can also contribute to higher lung cancer risk, including asbestos, silica, chromium, diesel exhaust fumes, and arsenic.
Is Lung Cancer Preventable?
The best defense against lung cancer is a good offense through lung cancer prevention. Nowadays, we all know the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity, but reducing the risk is essential in preventing lung cancer. If you’re a smoker, there are numerous smoking cessation aids to help you quit.
Of course, your best course of action is never to pick up the smoking habit. You can’t be too careful about preventing lung cancer even if you’re not a smoker. Play it safe, avoid secondhand smoke, check your home for radon, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
What are the Signs of Lung Cancer?
Unfortunately, lung cancer prevention doesn’t work for everyone. In that case, it’s helpful to know what symptoms to look for. Learn more about the signs of lung cancer so if the need should arise, you can help yourself through early detection and cancer treatment.
If you notice a persistent or worsening cough, pain in your chest, unexplained weight loss, hoarseness, and exhaustion combined with a decreasing appetite, it could indicate a lung problem. If you experience these symptoms, reach out to your general practitioner as soon as possible to schedule a check-up and screening.
How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
The current lung cancer screening guidelines recommend annual low-dose CT scans for all high-risk individuals, including smokers and former smokers. This is a great idea, but not every patient understands why CT screening is recommended, what to expect during and after the scans, or how to interpret the results without panicking. Fortunately, Verdi Oncology knows that the best lung cancer treatment outcomes involve a comprehensive and whole-person approach.
What are the Stages of Lung Cancer?
Once lung cancer is diagnosed, tests are completed to determine the cancer’s type, location, and progression. Lung cancer has four stages and depends on location, size, and type. The two most common types of lung cancer are small-cell lung cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. Additional staging definitions can include limited and extensive categories for small-cell lung cancer and clinical and pathological determinations for non-small-cell lung cancer.
Is it Possible to Repair Damaged Lungs?
There are several possible causes of damage to your lungs. But before you think about repairing damaged lungs, it’s best first to understand what caused the problem. In addition to lung cancer, smoking, pneumonia, lung infarction, pulmonary embolism, and asthma are common causes of lung damage.
Damaged lungs can lead to severe problems later in life. Fortunately, you can repair damaged lungs is possible in some instances. For most people, time is the greatest healer. Recent research suggests regenerative therapy is helpful in healing lungs.
How Lung Cancer is Treated?
The good news is that lung cancer can generally be treated successfully if discovered early. Treatment options may include a combination of monitoring, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapy. You may even be eligible for an early-stage clinical trial, so it’s important to talk to your oncologist about which treatment types are best for your situation.
Verdi Oncology is Committed to Lung Cancer Awareness
Our oncology experts believe lung cancer awareness is vital to improving patient outcomes. If you are at high risk of developing lung cancer, taking action now is important to reduce your risk. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, it’s important that you make informed treatment decisions. Contact Verdi Cancer & Research Center of Texas today to discuss your treatment options if you’ve received a lung cancer diagnosis.