What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is an abnormal growth of tissue that destroys the normal tissue and produces substances that can make your entire body weak and sick. There are two main types of lung cancer. The first type is small cell lung cancer. This is considered to be the worst type because it is more aggressive, metastasizes (spreads) faster, and has less treatment options. The second type is non-small cell lung cancer. This is considered to be more treatable and can be caught at an earlier stage.
Where does lung cancer come from?
All lung cancers come from within the body. It is normal for everyone to have “a few” cancer cells. These cells usually do not lead to forming cancerous tumors, because the body’s own immune system and repair enzymes destroy them before they can replicate and enlarge. With the right genetics, environmental exposures and injury or damage to cells, these abnormal cells can escape the repair and defense mechanisms and multiply to become tumors and active cancer. The more we injure and damage our body, the more likely we are to develop cancer.
Do I have to smoke to get lung cancer?
Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer because of the damage it causes to lung tissue. However, other causes of lung cancer include second-hand smoke, asbestos, pollution, and radon. There are also cancers that can develop from scar tissue from previous infection, such as tuberculosis.
Can I prevent lung cancer?
You can decrease your risk of lung cancer by avoiding the toxins that are mentioned above. There are also some studies that suggest that supplementation with selenium (found in wheat germ and Brazil nuts), may also decrease the risk of lung cancer. A healthy well-rounded diet and exercise are also felt to be preventative of cancer. If you are at high risk for lung cancer, having a screening test for lung cancer may aid in early detection and improve your survival.
How are lung cancers detected?
Lung cancers can be found in a variety of ways. Sometimes they are found on chest x-rays or CAT scans of the chest which are done for other purposes. Sometimes they are found as part of an investigation into a chronic cough, coughing blood, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath. You can discuss your risk factors with your doctor and determine if screening for lung cancer is right for you.
What are the treatments for lung cancer?
The most successful treatment for lung cancer is surgery. Other treatments for lung cancer may include radiation and chemotherapy. Some patients may decide not to have their lung cancer treated if they have other major health problems and are having minimal symptoms from their lung cancer.
How long will I live with lung cancer?
There are three things that determine how long you will live with lung cancer. First, how the lung cancer responds to treatment. People with cancers that respond well to treatment may live 10-20 years before they have complications or recurrence from their lung cancers. Second, what your other health problems are. If you have other major health problems, it will make it more difficult to aggressively treat your cancer. Third, but not least, is attitude. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that those with determination to overcome obstacles and a positive outlook will be medically better than those who do not.
Self-Check for Management of Lung Cancer
- I have quit smoking.
- I have a good diet and exercise regularly as best as I can.
- I have discussed with my physician the use of selenium supplementation.
- I am participating in other lung protective strategies, such as vaccines, hand hygiene, pulmonary rehab and the early identification and treatment of infection.
- I understand the type of cancer that I have, the treatments that I will receive and what outcome my doctors think that I will have.
- I will share with my family and physicians any of my cares or concerns about my health and daily functioning.
- I have discussed wishes for my future health care with my family, so that they may help me in decisions and give my doctors my wishes when I am too sick to participate.
Managing Doctors
- Primary Care
- Pulmonary
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Pathology
- Infectious Disease
- Pain
- Palliative Care