Lung cells that change, divide, and expand out of control lead to lung cancer. Although anyone can develop lung cancer, investigations by medical organisations around the world have shown that smokers are 20 times more likely to develop the disease than non-smokers. After breast cancer, lung cancer is the most frequent type of cancer. Due to this illness, about 1.5 lakh people pass away every year.
Living with a smoker results in passive smoking, which is the inhalation of secondhand smoke. Lung cancer is also more likely to strike non-smokers. Passive smoke contains the chemicals and carcinogens that cause the cells to mutate, thus if you are around or live with a smoker, you are more likely to develop lung cancer.
What factors lead to lung cancer?
Several factors can lead to lung cancer. Tobacco and marijuana smokers, however, are more prone to exhibit the signs of this illness, according to studies. The most important factors are:
What signs or symptoms would lung cancer have?
The symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on its type and stage at the time of discovery. The most typical signs are:
Symptoms such as a headache, numbness, seizures, balance issues, and weakness in an arm or leg may appear if the disease has advanced to the brain.
If cancer spreads to the liver, it could cause jaundice or yellow skin.
A patient may exhibit just one symptom or a number of them. Since these are vague symptoms, it's possible that the patient will receive treatment for tuberculosis or another condition before being given the cancer diagnosis. So it is essential to have a high degree of mistrust, especially of smokers. It is advised to see a doctor to ask about medications that could help with the aforementioned symptoms and to obtain an early cancer diagnosis.
How can you prevent Lung cancer?
Those who haven't yet taken up smoking are urged not to do so. Smoking alone causes cancer in 16 different locations on the body, including the throat, mouth, tongue, lung, testicles, prostate, and thyroid. Additionally, people who continue smoking after receiving a cancer diagnosis have a higher risk of the disease returning following treatment. To prevent young children from succumbing to this habit out of ignorance or peer pressure, it is important to teach them about the negative effects of smoking.
It is never too late to stop smoking if you smoke. No level of smoking is safe, keep that in mind. Talk to your doctor about your alternatives for reducing the craving. As one stops smoking and gets rid of the dangerous poisons that have built up in their bodies over time, their chances of contracting lung cancer decrease. About 15 years after quitting smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer approaches that of a non-smoker, but the advantages of giving up smoking begin right away.
Refrain from being exposed to nickel, chromium, asbestos, and radon. Consult a doctor to discuss the precautions you might take to decrease the exposure if your line of work requires you to operate in their presence. These precautions could take the shape of physical apparatus that could shield you from the exposure or medications to reduce the symptoms. A nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help prevent the development of malignant cells in the lungs. Regular exercise is beneficial as well. If you don't currently exercise consistently, start off cautiously and work your way up to at least four out of seven days a week.