Advice Symbols of Lung Cancer:
Lung
cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world.
It is usually associated with heavy smokers, but now has become a major concern
for both occasional smokers and non-smokers alike. Lung cancer now kills more
than twice the number of women than breast cancer kills, and is also found to
be a lot more common in men than prostate cancer. Recent research showed women
are 1.5 times more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than men are,
even though they smoke less.
Lung Cancer takes many years to develop in the body with its symptoms often
over-looked by many. When the disease is finally diagnosed, it is usually found
to be at a late stage. This late stage is the main reason for its high
mortality rate throughout the world. However, lung cancer has many obvious
signs when it is present, together with many more subtle signs. These more
subtle signs are often detected at a later stage than the more obvious ones.
Warning
Signs
1.
One main sign is a persistent cough (smokers cough) that does not go away. This
usually gets attributed to something else, or may even be accepted as just one
of the side effects of smoking. Long persistent coughs should always be checked
out by a doctor.
2.
Coughing up small amounts of blood is another sign of lung cancer, although not
always, as it can often be attributed to other conditions. Either way it is not
normal and should once again is checked out at an early stage.
3.
Wheezing and shortness of breath are often over-looked signs that simply get
put down to either being a little out of trim or slightly overweight. Even a
sufferer may think that it is something to do with getting a little older.
4.
Constant rather than intermittent pains in the chest, shoulders and back are
again over-looked signs of lung cancer. These usually get put down to the after
effects of playing football, doing exercise, or even working excessively.
5.
Continued and excessive tiredness even after a good night’s sleep are often
symptoms of the disease too. A doctor should be seen when the tiredness cannot
be explained, especially if one’s lifestyle does not justify it.
6.
A notable weight loss when eating normally should be another cause for concern,
as lung cancer causes a change in the body’s metabolism. This may be welcomed
at first especially if one is of a chubby build, but if excessive, should be
checked out.
7.
Recurrent chest infections or pneumonia are signs that the airways may be
blocked, usually caused by small spots growing on the inside of the tubes which
are associated with cancer. Overtime these small spots can grow into malignant tumors.
If
you have any of the above signs, an appointment should be made to see a doctor
as early as possible. If the doctor is unable to reassure as to the reasons why
these signs are present, it is recommended that a second or even third opinion
be sought.