John Doyle, Jon Hood, Jimmy Svab

Lung Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

Abnormal cells do not develop into healthy tissue.

Instead they divide rapidly and form tumors.

What is it?

Smoking, radon gas, asbestos, air pollution, it is not inherited

People who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day have 25 times more of a chance to be diagnosed with lung cancer

The workplace is a common source for asbestos, used in insulation, can cause mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura of the lung or peritoneum)

Radon gas is responsible for 12% of lung cancer deaths

vehicles, industry, and power plants can make you more likely to get lung cancer, up to 1% of lung cancer deaths are because of polluted air

What causes Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer tends to spread to the adrenal glands, liver, the brain and the bones.

If lung cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause difficulties with vision, seizures, weakness etc.

Metastatic lung cancer spreading towards the liver or adrenal glands typically shows no symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

When it affects the bones, it can cause acute pain, usually in the thigh bones, the vertebrae and the ribs.

Lung cancer causes excessive coughing. The tumor that grows inside the lung exerts pressure on the chest. This leads to severe cough and sometimes, the patient may produce a lot of sputum along with blood.

Lung Cancer’s effect on the body

1 – The tumor is found in only one lung with no lymph nodes.

2 – the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes surround the infected lung.

3 - the cancer has spread to lymph nodes around the trachea, chest wall, and diaphragm, on the same side as the infected lung.

4 – the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the other lung or in the neck.

5 - the cancer has spread throughout the rest of the body and other parts of the lungs.

Different stages of Lung Cancer

Common ways to discover Lung Cancer are Chest X-rays, bronchoscopy, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans.

How is Lung Cancer detected?

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, prophylactic brain radiation, treatment of recurrence, targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy, radiofrequency ablation, experimental therapies

What are the treatments?

There isn't really a cure but the best chances of survival depend on when it was diagnosed, if it was early or to late

It also depends on what type of lung cancer the person has for the treatment to work

Is there a cure?

Don't smoke. If you've never smoked, don't start. Talk to your children about not smoking so that they can understand how to avoid this major risk factor for lung cancer. Begin conversations about the dangers of smoking with your children early so that they know how to react to peer pressure.

Stop smoking. Stop smoking now. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you've smoked for years. Talk to your doctor about strategies and stop-smoking aids that can help you quit. Options include nicotine replacement products, medications and support groups.

Avoid secondhand smoke. If you live or work with a smoker, urge him or her to quit. At the very least, ask him or her to smoke outside. Avoid areas where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and seek out smoke-free options.

Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Choose a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Food sources of vitamins and nutrients are best. Avoid taking large doses of vitamins in pill form, as they may be harmful. For instance, researchers hoping to reduce the risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers gave them beta carotene

Preventing Lung Cancer

Early lung cancer often does not cause symptoms. But as the cancer grows, it takes a toll on the body and common symptoms may include:

a cough that gets worse or does not go away

breathing trouble, such as shortness of breath

constant chest pain

coughing up blood

a hoarse voice

frequent lung infections, such as pneumonia

feeling very tired all the time

weight loss with no known cause

Additional information

Ohio

Columbus James Care for Life 1-614-293-6428 or1-800-293-5066

Elyria Center for Body, Mind & Spirit Community Cancer Center

Vikki Howard 1-440-324-0480

Support groups

http://www.tricountycessation.org/tobaccofacts/Cigarette-Ingredients.html

Chemicals