Guide to Lung Cancer
The Covid-19 pandemic has had massive consequences for people all over the world. A large portion of this upheaval has been caused by the virus itself, but there are other health concerns which aren’t in the public eye to as large a degree as the coronavirus and its symptoms. Many people with underlying health conditions are more at risk to become severely ill and die from the virus; these conditions include obesity and heart disease, but there’s a little-talked about underlying condition which has led to many unnecessary and heartbreaking deaths over the course of the last several months – lung disease.
Lung disease is actually the second most common cancer in the United States and is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. Smokers are far more likely to get lung disease – 23x and 13x more likely, for men and women respectively – but nonsmokers can also contract the disease. Here’s a guide to discuss what lung disease is and how you can better insulate yourself from this deadly but underreported disease.
What is Lung Cancer?
The general term “cancer” refers to a disease in which the cells of the body become out of control and grow and mutate at a dangerous rate. Cancer which is found specifically in the lungs is referred to as “lung cancer.” Lung cancer, by definition, begins in the lungs, but it can easily spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or brain.
Likewise, cancer which starts in another part of the body can always spread to the lungs. When cancer spreads throughout the body it is said to be “metastasizing.” Lung cancer is grouped into two groups: small cell and non-small cell. These types grow in different ways and are treated differently.
Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer but equally as dangerous. Both types of cancer lead to painful symptoms which slowly eat away at the health of the body who possesses the cancer.
Antioxidants and Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a terrible sickness, but there are ways to increase your chances of avoiding it throughout your life. Researchers have recently touted the effects of carotenoids and vitamin C to help prevent lung cancer in both the general population and smokers. Carotenoids and vitamin C help to prevent lung cancer because of their high levels of antioxidants.
Antioxidants help promote bodily health and wellness by working organically in your body to improve certain functions and aiding your organs in working longer and stronger. Antioxidants can be added naturally to your diet, or they can be ingested through supplements such our HealthImpaq Moringa Oleifera and Natural Green Tea Extract supplements can provide you with both protection against lung cancer and an energy boost in your daily life. These supplements are designed to prevent other ailments as well, such as joint pain and fatigue. They use natural ingredients to help your body improve function and more quickly and efficiently expunge toxins.
How is Lung Cancer Detected?
The process for detecting lung cancer is both interesting and difficult. Most types of lung cancer produce irregularly high levels of hormones or other substances like calcium. If there are no other signs of bodily harm when these hormones or substances are produced, doctors usually consider the possibility of lung cancer. Cancer can also be discovered in another part of the body, most commonly the liver, adrenal glands, or brain. Doctors can trace the path of the cancer back to the lungs from where it originated.
Additionally, lung cancer is detectable on an X-ray the moment it begins to show symptoms. If the individual is lucky, the cancer can actually be seen and identified by an X-ray which was ordered for another purpose. Once the cancer is spotted, a CT scan is usually administered for a closer inspection. A lung cancer diagnosis is typically confirmed by a lung biopsy or, in more unfortunate cases, a sample of mucus or lung fluid.
After the biopsy, a doctor will use a litany of other tests to determine which type of cancer is present and if its spread to other parts of the body. The lymph nodes are nearly always tested because they’re close to the lungs. Finally, if fluid is present in the tissue layers lining the chest wall and lungs, removal of fluid can be done, and the fluid is tested for cancer cells, which are present approximately sixty percent of the time.
Chances of Lung Disease and Long-Term Effects
Unfortunately, the chances of developing lung cancer increase if the individual has lung disease, even if the individual is not a smoker. There are specific types of lung diseases which increase the odds of lung cancer, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Additionally, lung disease and lung cancer can worsen the effects of Covid-19 in a number of ways, including a more difficult time breathing and a higher chance of death.
There are many symptoms associated with lung cancer, especially in the long-term. Typically, a patient suffering from lung cancer will have hoarseness of the mouth and will have difficulty breathing. Chances of blood clots are also high, as are chest and abdominal pains. The disease is difficult to live with but there are certain radiation therapies which can eliminate the cancer after a time.