The Big Three: Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer:
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell division in your lungs. It is a normal function that takes place in your lungs but sometimes the cells become mutated causing them to excessively divide resulting in masses known as tumors that eventually prevent your organs from working properly. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for over 85% of lung cancer cases. It can be further divided into adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The remaining 15% of lung cancer is classified as small cell lung cancer and is known to progress more quickly resulting in a more aggressive course and treatment. This type of cancer is almost always caused by smoking tobacco.
Risk factors:
· History of or current tobacco use
· Exposure to secondhand smoke
· Exposure to toxins such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, radon, uranium, silica, coal products
· Family history of lung cancer
· Environmental pollutions
· Infection with HIV
· Radiation exposure such as radiation therapy
Symptoms:
Lung cancer symptoms are often asymptomatic until the disease is advanced and may be similar to the symptoms of less serious illnesses. These symptoms include:
· A cough that doesn’t go away or worsened
· Shortness of breath/trouble breathing
· Wheezing
· Coughing up blood
· Hoarseness
· Unexplained fatigue and weight loss
· Chest pain
Recurrent pneumonia or coughs that keep coming back despite treatment can be an early sign of lung cancer and it is important to get screened.
Screening:
You can increase your chances of early detection with screening tests. Eligibility for lung cancer screening include the requirements of:
- Being between the ages of 50-80
- Being a current smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
- Having a 20-pack year smoking history
Screening tests:
· Chest X-ray
· Chest CT Scan
· Lung biopsy
· Bronchoscopy
It is important to speak to your provider about the benefits and risks of yearly screening.