| What is lung cancer ? | | | | A new persistent cough or worsening of an |
| The most basic unit in our body is the cell. | | | | existing chronic cough |
| Normally, cells divide to produce new cells only | | | | Blood in the sputum |
| when needed. When cell growth results in an | | | | Persistent bronchitis or repeated respiratory |
| uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells, | | | | infections |
| eventually a mass known as a tumor forms. | | | | Chest pain |
| When this happens in the lung, it causes lung | | | | Unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue |
| cancer. | | | | Breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath |
| What causes lung cancer ? | | | | or wheezing |
| Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. | | | | How is lung cancer diagnosed ? |
| About 90% of lung cancers arise as a result of | | | | A doctor can talk to, and examine a patient . This |
| tobacco use. The risk of lung cancer increases | | | | may reveal the presence of symptoms or signs |
| with the number of cigarettes smoked over time. | | | | that are suspicious for lung cancer. In addition to |
| Other causes include passive smoking, family | | | | asking about symptoms and risk factors for |
| history, a past history of lung cancer , other lung | | | | cancer development, doctors may detect signs of |
| diseases and asbestos exposure. | | | | breathing difficulties, airway obstruction, or |
| What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer | | | | infections in the lungs. |
| ? | | | | The chest x-ray is the most common first |
| In up to 25% of people who get lung cancer, | | | | diagnostic step when any new symptoms of lung |
| they have no symptoms. The cancer is first | | | | cancer are present. |
| discovered on a routine chest x-ray or CT scan | | | | A CT scan may be performed on the chest, |
| as a solitary small mass. | | | | abdomen, and/or brain to examine for both the |
| The growth of the cancer and invasion of lung | | | | primary tumour, and to check if it has spread. |
| tissues and surroundings may interfere with | | | | Other tests include bone scans, and brochoscopy |
| breathing, leading to symptoms such as cough, | | | | ( a scope of the lungs). |
| shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and | | | | How is lung cancer treated? |
| coughing up blood (hemoptysis). | | | | Treatment for lung cancer can involve surgical |
| Sometimes, if the lung cancer that has spread to | | | | removal of tumor, chemotherapy or radiation , as |
| the bones it may produce excruciating pain at the | | | | well as combinations of these methods. The |
| sites of bone involvement. Cancer that has spread | | | | decision about which treatments will be |
| to the brain may cause a number of symptoms | | | | appropriate must take into account the the |
| that may include blurred vision, headaches, | | | | location of the tumour and whether it has spread, |
| seizures, or weakness or loss of sensation in | | | | as well as the overall health status of the patient. |
| parts of the body. | | | | How can lung cancer be prevented? |
| Non-specific symptoms seen with many cancers | | | | Smoking cessation is the most important measure |
| including lung cancers include weight loss, | | | | that can prevent lung cancer. There are many |
| weakness, and fatigue. | | | | products available, such as nicotine gum, nicotine |
| When should one see a doctor? | | | | sprays, or nicotine inhalers. Minimizing exposure to |
| One should see a doctor if they develop the | | | | passive smoking is also an effective preventive |
| symptoms associated with lung cancer, in | | | | measure. |
| particular, if they have: | | | | |