Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung Cancer is the leading type of cancer that people die from. According to the Mayo Clinic, “lung cancer claims more lives each year than do colon, prostate, ovarian and breast cancers combined.” While some people will develop lung cancer from their genetic  makeup, it is closely linked to the carcinogens found in tobacco products. The chance of developing lung cancer is dependent on how often one smokes, and how many cigarettes are smoked in one day. Some people who unfortunately develop lung cancer are those who have been exposed to carcinogens found in buildings such as mold, or from disastrous events such as atomic bombings, and 9/11.  Smokers can not only develop lung cancer, but can also get mouth and esophageal cancers, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease. Please remember that smoking is 100% avoidable, and there are many techniques to help someone quit. November is also the month for the Great American Smokeout, which encourages smokers to quit smoking and enjoy the health benefits of clean breathing, that they are cheating themselves out of.

There are many symptoms of lung cancer. Unfortunately the following symptoms only occur in the late stages on lung cancer. The Mayo Clinic described these as:

• A new cough that doesn’t go away
• Changes in a chronic cough or “smoker’s cough”
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Losing weight without trying
• Bone pain
• Headache

If you think that any of these pertain to you, please go see your primary care physician. Each time you inhale smoke, the carcinogens act to change the tissue. These tissue changes can evolve into mutations and then cause cancer. It is pertinent to one’s health to stop smoking immediately. The body is very good at repairing itself, and over time, the tissue can begin to be healthy again.

Have you or someone you know had lung cancer? Comment below to tell us your story to keep up lung cancer awareness.