Lung Cancer is a horrific disease, and can arise out of nowhere! Anyone could become acquainted with this disease, so here are some early warning signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
Each year more people die from lung cancer than from colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Lung cancer is extremely fatal. Sometimes surviving the disease completely depends on the progression of it. If you catch it just in time, you may be lucky.
In 2016, The American Cancer Society estimates lung cancer cases were up to 224,390! Each one a different person plagued by this disease. They also estimate about 158,080 cases of lung cancer resulted in death. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women. The cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older people. About 2 out of every 3 people diagnosed with cancer will be above the age of 65. Less than 2% of those diagnosed are younger than 45. The average age of diagnosis is 70. Lung cancer is a serious disease and it is important to take precautions of it.
Lung cancer is most commonly thought to be the result of smoking. However this is true, it is not always the case. Given, smoking is the cause of 80% of diagnoses. Lung cancer in nonsmokers can be caused by exposure to radon, secondhand smoke, air pollution, or other factors. Workplace exposures to asbestos, diesel exhaust, or certain other chemicals can also cause lung cancers in some people who don’t smoke. The time of diagnosis of this disease is very important. If the progression of the disease has not progressed, there are better chances of survival. Here are some warning signs, precautions, and symptoms of this horrific cancer.
- A constant cough – If you suffer from a cough that just simply won’t stop, you might need to check in with a doctor. A cough that lingers is often an early warning sign of lung cancer.If you have a cough like this it is urgent that you see a healthcare physician, Especially if you are a smoker.
- Changes in Cough – Another sign of lung cancer is a change in your cough. If you are coughing more often, your cough is deeper or has hoarse sound, or you are coughing up blood or more mucus than usual, it’s time to make a doctor’s appointment.
- Breathing Changes – Do you often experience shortness of breath? This can also be a sign. Changes in breathing can occur if lung cancer blocks or narrows an airway, or if fluid from a lung tumor builds up in the chest.
- Wheezing – Sometimes the chest airways to become clogged or constricted. This will result in your wheezing sound. However, wheezing can also be a sign of lung cancer. Don’t assume that wheezing is caused by asthma or allergies. Have your doctor confirm the cause.
- Hoarse Voice – A change in your tone of voice might be an indicator of this disease. If you experience the feeling of hoarseness in your voice, consult with your doctor. It’s always better safe than sorry.
- Weight Loss – Suddenly losing a large amount of weight, without any physical exercise or diet change, may be an indicator of lung cancer. When cancer is present, this drop in weight may result from cancer cells using energy. It could also result from shifts in the way the body uses energy from food.
- Chest Pain – Experiencing pain in the chest, neck, or shoulders is never a good sign. It could be a symptom of many different diseases, but it is one of Lung cancer. When lung cancer causes chest pain, the discomfort may result from enlarged lymph nodes or metastasis to the chest wall, the lining around the lungs called pleura or the ribs.
- Aches and Pains – Aches and pains are a normal thing to experience, however, constant aches and pains are not. If you are constantly aching you should see a doctor. This pain may worsen at night while resting on the back. It may be difficult to differentiate between bone and muscle pain. Bone pain is often worse at night and increases with movement.