Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer known to exist in the world. Lung cancer is also the most common form of cancer.
Causes of lung cancer include cigarette smoking, exposure to second hand smoke and inhalation of chemicals and other toxic substances at work, home and in the environment. Cigarette smoke is claimed by scientific researchers to be the main cause of lung cancer. Non smokers have a higher incidence of lung cancer and emphysema by inhaling the smoke from the cigarettes of smokers.
Symptoms of lung cancer are sputum streaked with blood, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, fever, chest pain and weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms see a doctor.
Tumors resulting from lung cancer can grow into other organs in the neck and chest of the afflicted person. Lung cancer can grow into the esophagus, heart, veins in the chest wall and nerves. These abnormal cancerous growths can cause difficulty in swallowing, heart murmurs, damage to nerves and excessive fluid build up around the heart.
Lung cancer can spread to other organs like the liver, bloodstream, brain and bones. Surgery is sometimes used to remove cancerous tissues, but this type of treatment is not always possible due to the extent of the cancer in the body and its close proximity to the trachea. Radiation therapy is also sometimes used with some success to treat lung cancer.
Lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer. In order to reduce exposure to lung cancer causing carcinogens, do not smoke. If you already smoke cigarettes, quit. Limit your exposure to the second hand cigarette smoke from smokers if you are a nonsmoker. Workplaces are required by government health agencies like OSHA to provide safety gear for employees who may be subjected to hazardous substances. Ensure that your employer has safety equipment available for you to use on the job at your workplace if applicable.
