Lung cancer
goodtoknow says: Advances in treatments mean that more and more people with lung cancer are living longer than ever before. Some are even cured. Most people who get lung cancer are over 60, and 9 out of 10 are smokers. Main symptoms are a persistent cough, mild chest pain, coughing up blood and shortness of breath. But these are also symptoms for other less serious conditions so don't panic if you have them. See your GP though. The earlier it's diagnosed, the better.
Here, Dr Chris gives his advice on looking out for lung cancer.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of lung cancer from patient.co.uk, read on.
Lung cancer is common world-wide. Most cases develop in people over the age of 45, usually in smokers. If lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, there is some chance of a cure. In general, the more advanced the cancer (the more it has grown and spread), the less chance that treatment will be curative. However, treatment can often slow the progress of the cancer.
What are the lungs?
There are two lungs, one on either side of the chest. Air goes in to the lungs via the windpipe (trachea) which divides into a series of branching airways called bronchi. Air goes from the airways into millions of tiny air sacs (alveoli).
Oxygen from the air is passed into the bloodstream through the thin walls of the alveoli.
- Next: What is cancer?
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Keith Watts, over 2 years
I was a heavy smoker and a Marine Engineer inhaling Asbestos dust as a inescapable condition of my 30 year career. I retired early and opened a Travel Agency. 2 years later I took out a business loan having had a full medicalamination, This showed that I was perfectly clear of lung trouble with excellent general health. Learning this encouraged me to give up smoking (from 60 + to nothing overnight). 2 years later a persistant cough sent me to my Doicor for a check-up reporting that I was now a non smker/ He asked me to have an X-ray so that we could start with a clean sheet (he was new to me - my other Doctor had retired) A shadow on my left lung led to a week in Hospital and half of the affected lung removed. The hospital treatment was followed with a 6 months course of (tablet form) chemotherap culminating in a clean bill of health and this was 15 years ago, Aoart from getting out of breath easily and putting on 7 stones I am apparently doing well with my Doctor being very pleased with me !!!.
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trevor groen, about 1 year
we are just going through lung cancer with my dad,lots of ups and down,good days and bad,. hes fell a few times which has affected his health , my mum has been wonderful but it is a very waring thing ,also his mental state seems to wander ,hope u can tell us more. he has a full lung of cancer is painfully thin and has had chemo and has just finished his treatment of radiation.
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