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36 Million Lung Cancer Cases: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the world and affects over 36 million people annually. It is caused by damage to the lung tissue from exposure to carcinogens, such as smoking, asbestos, or radon.
Early diagnosis is key in treating lung cancer, however, the symptoms are often hard to spot or mistaken for other illnesses. For this reason, individuals should be aware of the possible signs of lung cancer and seek medical attention if they begin to experience any of them.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. In fact, research has found that it is responsible for approximately 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths. Other factors that increase the risk of developing lung cancer include a family or medical history of the disease, smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke, asbestos exposure, and radon radiation exposure.
What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
The early symptoms of lung cancer are often hard to recognize, however, if the condition progresses, more symptoms may begin to appear. These can include:
- Coughing that does not go away or becomes more frequent
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughter
- Regularly experiencing shortness of breath or wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Frequent lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Individuals who experience any of the above symptoms should speak to their doctor as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Lung Cancer
The best way to prevent the development of lung cancer is to avoid exposure to known carcinogens and practice other healthy behaviors. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:
- Do not smoke or use any tobacco products.
- Avoid exposure to other chemicals and toxins, such as asbestos.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Have your home and work environment tested for radon.
- Have regular medical check-ups and lung cancer screenings.
By implementing the above strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. If you are concerned that you may have the disease, speak to your doctor for advice on how to proceed.
Overall, with more than 36 million diagnosed cases worldwide each year, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for lung cancer to ensure they stay healthy.