Universal Symptoms

Universal Symptoms-Lung Cancer Exposure:

In just the UK, a staggering 1 in every 14 people will suffer from lung cancer during their lifetime. Unfortunately, lung cancer does not have a great survival rate and one of the biggest reasons is because often diagnosis happens in the latter stages of the disease. This lung cancer late diagnosis is largely due to a lack of awareness of the symptoms. Only 27% of patients survive for longer than a year following their diagnosis. Of those 27%, patients who are diagnosed during the early stages of lung cancer have a 43-78% chance of surviving for up to five years following their diagnosis. Whereas survival rates past a year for those who have their cancer diagnosed during the later stages can be as low as 10%.

Because of this, it is absolutely crucial that people make themselves aware of the early symptoms of lung cancer so that they can go to a doctor for an assessment and possible diagnosis as quickly as possible. You may find that when you go to the doctor's you are simply reassured that your symptoms do not equate to cancer of the lungs. But, if you are unfortunately diagnosed, the earlier you get the diagnoses, the better. Here are some early signs of lung cancer to look out for, however these do not give a definitive answer, and they are just a suggestion that you need to go to your doctor for a check-up.

Persistent coughing: Although coughing is a symptom of many illnesses (the majority of which are relatively harmless), persistent coughing may indicate a problem. If your cough has lasted for a several weeks or has worsened over time, it might be a sign of lung cancer. Also, bringing up large amounts of phlegm, especially if it contains blood, can be a prominent symptom.

Noisy breathing: If someone is making noises when they are breathing it is always a cause for concern. If someone is having difficulties breathing and/or is wheezing (strider), it could be a sign of a chest infection, asthma or allergic reaction. However, it could also be an indication of lung cancer. Any trouble breathing should always be checked out.

Pain: In your shoulder, back and chest which isn't caused by persistent coughing.

Tiredness: Poor lung function (which could be caused by this type of cancer) will mean that your body isn't sending enough oxygenated blood to organs and muscles in your body. Because of this you may become extremely tired and your muscles may even begin to waste (cachexia.)

A loss in your appetite and weight loss: This isn't just a symptom of lung cancer exclusively but is a symptom of many cancers. Professionals remain unsure of why this is the case however it is certainly one to be aware of.

Cause and Hazard Factor

 Cause and Hazard Factor for Lung Cancer:

It may come as a surprise to many that in the UK, lung cancer is the second most diagnosed form of this awful disease. Statistics from 2007-2012 showed us that approximately 40,000 people were diagnosed each and every year, with lung cancer  an actual slight increase in the numbers over this period of time. To this end, a number or causes and risk factors have been identified and are widely proven to be the primary causes of lung cancers. In this article we're going to identify and discuss the various factors that contribute to the relatively high numbers of diagnosed lung cancer.

A cancer risk factor is a particular thing which has attributed to the level of lung cancer in the UK. These factors greatly increase the possibility that you will develop lung cancer if you are exposed to them. For example, smoking tobacco has for a long time been credited with being the number one risk factor associated with lung cancer. This has largely been the case globally and many countries have taken steps to reduce this risk.

Unfortunately for the male sex, this type of cancer has always been more prevalent in men. This may be down to a larger portion of the population being male smokers, but it is not always necessarily the case. Those individuals who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer; presently this figure stands at about 15% of diagnosed cases being associated with non smokers, which is why there is a range of risk factors which you should consider. It is inevitably true that the more you smoke, the greater your chance of developing the disease, however if somebody decides to quit smoking, the chances of then developing the disease are greatly reduced in a relatively short period of time.

Another risk factor which is very specific to the housing market in the UK is that presented by Radon gas. In the south west of England in particular the level of Radon gas found in the ground can be dangerously high. It is a gas that is found in the ground and permeates through the soil and into the foundations of homes. If breathed in, Radon gas can cause lung cancer in the occupants. While UK statistics are not sound, it is known that around 9% of diagnosed cases in Europe as a whole are caused by exposure to Radon gas. Modern construction of homes will almost always include a protective Radon gas barrier in the foundations to help mitigate the risk.

Another important risk factor that can be viewed as outside of our control is age. While general good health, exercise and a balanced diet will help to reduce the level of risk, like many other types of cancer, lung cancer can be found more commonly in the elderly. Around 80% of diagnosed cases are found in individuals who are over the age of 60. More rarely it can be found in people below 50 but this is the exception and it is rare for somebody below this age to develop the disease.

Lung Cancer Patient for Diet:

Lung cancer accounts for a number of cancer deaths in a year. Patients taking chemotherapy treatment usually lose their appetite, however, at this time, the body requires additional strength to heal and restore the lost energy. Thus, getting appropriate nutrition is essential. A lung cancer patient can incorporate some of the foods mentioned below in his/her diet.

Foods rich in Antioxidant Chemicals

1. Incorporation of fruits and vegetables in a lung cancer patient's diet is essential to boost his immune system. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which enhances production of healthy cells by reducing free radicals (responsible for damaged cells) from our body.

2. Regular diet of an individual suffering from cancer should include garlic, onions, tomatoes, soy, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Onion and garlic lower the production of cancer-causing chemicals.

3. Green tea contains a number of antioxidant chemicals that are 500 times more potent than vitamin C sources. Thus, lung cancer patients should consume two cups of green tea in a day.

4. An antioxidant called lycopene found in tomatoes, watermelon and papaya also prevent cancer from getting worse.

5. Sulforaphane found in green and leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and cabbage is an antioxidant which increases phase II enzymes production. These enzymes are responsible for elimination of carcinogens from cells.

Healthy Fats

1. Cancer patients require as much fats as normal people do. However, their bodies find it hard to absorb saturated (unhealthy) fat. Diet of lung cancer patients should include items which have healthy fats. Sources of healthy fats help in the regulation of nervous system and also maintain blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel constriction and prevent blood clotting.

2. Healthy fats' sources include olive oil, flaxseed oil and essential fatty acids such as Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, shrimp, nuts (particularly walnuts) and tofu. Supplements of omega-3 in the form of pills can also be taken. However, one should ask his/her oncologist to make sure it is safe.

3. Essential fatty acids limit the growth of cancerous cells. Thus, one should choose wisely before incorporating any fatty item in his/her diet.

Asbestos symptoms and facts

 Asbestos Exposure Symptoms and Facts:

Asbestos is a material that has been mined and used for many years. It was used mainly in the construction industry. This is until ailments related to this element became evident. The first case was as far back as 1964. The Lung Cancer microscopic fibers that make up this element are inhaled from the air as dust. This eventually accumulates in the lungs resulting in the asbestos exposure symptoms.

Being exposed to this element affects the lungs. As such a number of ailments are the result of this. Typically such ailments include asbestosis lung cancer and Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the condition with a high prevalence. All these result from continued inhalation of the dust that contains the microscopic fibers. These fibers are lodged in the lungs where their deposits continue to grow. This will later affect the lung anatomy and eventually affect their proper functioning.

Most of the people affected by such material are those working at industries or mines. Continued contact with this element generally leads to risks and ailment associated to this element. Sometimes lung cancer's such people carry the microscopic fibers on their clothes or bodies to their families where the family members eventually develop side effects from secondary contact.

Being exposed to this element can cause lung inflammation that leads to coughing and shortness of breath. This is typical of the asbestosis ailment. Mesothelioma an extra ordinary cancer of the abdomen chest cavity and lung lining is also linked to this vulnerability. These ailments are directly linked to the continuous inhalation of the dust.

Generally the vulnerabilities associated with this substance depend on several factors. The amount of the element that one is exposed to is one of them. The length of time a person has been in contact with the element is another factor. The structure of the fiber as a part of the element and other prevailing ailments like lung cancer also determines the vulnerability.

The longer the fibers remain in the lungs the more profound their effect on the health of the person. Generally full blown indications have been experienced after fifteen years or more of regular contact with the element. This makes the asbestos exposure symptoms exceptional.

Up to thirty people in every one million annually suffer from one of the commonly associated conditions. Additionally Mesothelioma has affected over ten million people by 1978. Generally the dormant periods vary between twenty five and fifty years. After treatment close to thirty percent attain a lifespan of five years.