I'm Worried About Getting Lung Cancer
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If you or a loved one are concerned about being diagnosed with lung cancer, it is important that you empower yourself with the facts about this disease. Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. with approximately 172,000 new cases diagnosed annually.
Scientists have identified certain risk factors that may increase your risk of developing lung cancer. These risk factors include personal and family history of lung cancer, genetic alterations to certain genes, age, and environmental carcinogens. Studies also show a woman’s body is more susceptible to cancer-causing substances than a man’s body.
Tobacco smoke causes more than 8 out of 10 cases of lung cancer, which makes it the leading risk factor for lung cancer. The longer a person smokes, and the more packs per day smoked, the greater the risk.
Asbestos, radon, air pollution, certain cancer-causing agents in the workplace, tuberculosis (TB), certain types of pneumonia, and diet can also increase your risk for lung cancer.
The best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke and to avoid people who do. If you already smoke, try to quit and avoid secondhand smoke. If you have any symptoms of lung cancer, such as a productive or persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness or shortness of breath, or tests suggest lung cancer, it is important to see your physician for a complete medical exam and diagnostic testing.
Since most people with early lung cancer do not have any symptoms, only a small number of lung cancers are found at an early stage. When lung cancer is found early, it is often because of other tests being done for a different health issue. Pre-cancerous changes occur in the lung months, even years before lung cancer is diagnosed and until recently, early and accurate diagnosis of lung cancer has been difficult to achieve. Early detection of lung cancer can make a difference in the treatment and recovery process. We use the latest in diagnostic technology, such as Fluorescence Bronchoscopy and Spiral Computed Tomography to detect early lung lesions.
Before any treatment plan is developed, it is important to understand your stage of cancer and learn about the treatment options available to you. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, newly diagnosed patients will have several diagnostic tests to determine the stage of lung cancer and meet with a medical oncologist to build an integrative treatment plan that meets your needs. You will also meet with a team of complementary and alternative practitioners who will develop a plan of nurturing therapies to support your treatment.
