Lung cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease that affects both men and women. In the US alone, cancer kills more people than any other form of cancer. If you’re worried that you might have cancer, here are five warning signs to watch for.
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What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is also one of the deadliest. In 2017, cancer killed more people than any other type of cancer.
When cancer cells grow and spread, they can damage the lungs. Symptoms of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If you have any of these symptoms and you’re not sure why, talk to your doctor.
If you have cancer, it’s important to get treated as soon as possible. Lung cancer can be hard to diagnose early because many early signs are nonspecific (meaning they could also be caused by other things). However, if you have any of the following signs, talk to your doctor:
-A persistent cough that doesn’t go away on its own
-Shortness of breath even when you are doing mild exercise
-Chest pain that is new or has gotten worse in recent months
Causes of lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it’s responsible for more than 260,000 deaths each year. You can develop cancer if you are exposed to carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) over a long period of time. The most likely sources of these carcinogens include: tobacco smoke, asbestos, radon gas, and chromium.
There are many warning signs that you might have cancer, but the most common are: a change in your breathing habits, coughing up blood or mucus, difficulty breathing after exercise or exposure to cold weather, and a persistent fever. If you notice any of these signs and they bother you or keep returning, it’s important to see your doctor.
Warning signs of lung cancer
- If you have a family history of cancer, be alert for any signs or symptoms that might indicate the disease is developing in you.
- Notice any changes in your breathing, such as a change in the amount of time it takes to take a deep breath, a decrease in the amount of air you can breathe in per breath, or shortness of breath.
- Have regular chest X-rays to look for changes in your lungs.
- Be especially watchful for any unusual coughs or sputum production, which could be signs of cancer.
- If you smoke, try to quit smoking if possible. Smoking is one of the most common risk factors for cancer and is also associated with other health problems, such as asthma and heart disease.
How can I protect myself from lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in both men and women. However, it is possible to prevent lung cancer by following certain lifestyle habits.
Smoking cigarettes can cause lung cancer, as can exposure to asbestos, radioactive materials, or other environmental toxins. Other risk factors for lung cancer include a family history of the disease, being African American or having Asian genes, and having a high level of air pollution in your neighborhood.
If you notice any warning signs that you might have cancer, consult your doctor immediately. These signs may include a persistent cough that doesn’t go away, chest pain when you breathe deeply, shortness of breath on minimal exertion, or sudden changes in your breathing pattern.
Conclusion
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and there are many warning signs that you might have it. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible to get checked out: a persistent cough, chest pain when breathing deeply, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or mucus, change in voice or speech, black skin patches on the arms or legs. Getting cancer can be treated if it is caught early enough but unfortunately not all cases are diagnosed in time. So if you think you might have lung cancer, don’t wait to seek help – get screened now!
