Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Guide: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Cure

Cancer that starts in the lungs is referred to as lung cancer. Mostly, people who smoke are prone to this condition. It is one of the major causes of cancer death across the world. This article deals with everything you need to know about Lung Cancer, from its causes and symptoms to the prevention and cure.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

The cause of any disease paves the way for its prevention. The following are some of the common causes of Lung Cancer.

• Smoking
  Besides anything else, smoking makes you vulnerable to developing cancer of the lungs. Tobacco is the leading cause.
• Gene changes
  Certain gene changes can lead to abnormal cell growth. This can adversely give rise to cancer cells.
• Substances
  Arsenic, chromium, uranium, nickel, cadmium, and certain petroleum products also contribute to malignancy.

What are the Early Signs of Lung Cancer?

If you are suspected of Cancer, your doctor will look for signs and symptoms, before prescribing any lung cancer medicine. The early signs of cancer of the lungs are:’

• Hoarseness and shortness of breath
• Lingering or worsening cough
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain that worsens while breathing deeply or coughing
• Coughing up phlegm or blood
• Pain in the ribs or hips
• Lumps in the collarbone or neck
• Weight loss
• Headache and dizziness
• Wheezing
• Yellowing of skin and eyes

How Can I Prevent Lung Cancer?

Prevention takes a lot of courage and mental strength in this condition. The major preventive action is to QUIT SMOKING. Apart from that, one must consider the following ways too:

• Avoid radon exposure.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Avoid exposure to cancer-causing agents.
• Avoid carcinogens at work.
• Exercise most days of the week.
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables among others.

These tips not only help in preventing lung cancer but also aid in staying protected from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). It is a chronic lung disease that has a survival rate of about 4–6 years on therapy with Pirfenidone.

How Can I Treat Lung Cancer at Home?

Home remedies will not cure Lung Cancer. However, they can relieve the symptoms associated with the disease. Options may include:

• Yoga
  Breathing exercises, stretching, and meditation can calm your mind and body. Yoga can also aid in maintaining a good sleep schedule.
• Acupuncture
  It is performed by a trained practitioner only. Acupuncture can help in relieving aches and manage nausea. However, consult your doctor before initiating this if you take blood thinners or have a low blood cell count.
• Massage
  Massage helps relieve pain and other symptoms like anxiety or stress. You can consult a massage therapist who is trained to work with cancer patients.

How do Doctors Treat Lung Cancer?

Once the oncologist diagnoses Lung Cancer, he/she plans the treatment process with the patient. Multiple points are considered and taken care of before finalizing the therapy. By now, the known ways of treating Lung Cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Aside from these, clinical trials also offer greater access to promising and new treatment methods.

Some patients with advanced-stage cancer do not prefer continuing the treatment. In such a case, one can opt for palliative care that includes the treatment of only symptoms and not of the disease.