Lung Cancer Symptoms & Signs

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancers that can affect the body. The disease affects both men and women equally and is responsible for claiming more lives than any other form of cancer. Like other cancers lung cancer is caused by the unrestricted growth of cells which as a consequence leads to the formation of tumors. Cancer may spread or metastasize into other parts of the body leading to eventual death.

Possible causes and risk factors

There is a strong correlation between lung cancer and smoking. Tobacco smoking causes at least 90 percent of the incidents of lung cancer. Tobacco contains about 4,000 cancer-causing chemicals. Secondhand smoke or passive smoking also causes lung cancer. If a child is continuously exposed to a parent smoking for most of his young life he is more likely to develop lung cancer as he grows older. Among individuals who have a family history of lung cancer there is a greater possibility to contract the disease. Diseases such as COPD or chronic obtrusive pulmonary diseases can also increase an individual's risk to contract lung cancer. This can happen even though there is no smoking habit. Other causes of lung cancer include exposure to radon in the home and other chemicals.

Signs and symptoms

As cancer invades the tissues of the lung it may cause certain symptoms. These include: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness and greater susceptibility to pneumonia. A CT scan or chest X-ray are early ways to diagnose cancer. See your doctor if you are having troubles of this nature.

Lung cancer is a scary disease. Although family history of lung cancer does not necessarily mean a death sentence it is better to keep away from smoking, eat healthy and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Keep away from smoking, eat healthy and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals

by Joy Lewis, Medical writer