Treating and Preventing Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the leading cancer-related death worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 235,000 new lung cancer cases have been diagnosed in 2021 so far. November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, making it a perfect time to learn about the disease, what treatment entails, and ways to prevent it.
What is Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes almost always cause small cell lung cancer, and second-hand smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer. Other risk factors include a family history of lung cancer or exposure to radiation, asbestos, and other carcinogens. Lung cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people 65 and older.
The early stages of lung cancer don't usually produce symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, people may experience a cough that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, and unexplained weight loss. If left untreated, the lung can cause extreme chest pain and may spread throughout the body.
Lung Cancer Treatments
Treatment options vary depending on the type of lung cancer. However, standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.
Surgery
Some people undergo surgery to remove cancer, usually by removing part or all of the lung. There are a few different surgery options available depending on the stage and type of cancer. Your doctor may suggest wedge resection surgery which removes a small section of the cancerous lung along with healthy tissue to ensure cancer hasn't spread. There is also segmental resection, which removes a more significant portion of the lung, and lobectomy, which removes an entire lung lobe. A doctor may also need to perform a pneumonectomy, which is the removal of the whole lung. During surgery, doctors may also have to remove lymph nodes in the chest to test for cancer.
Therapies
In addition to surgery, doctors may suggest therapy to ensure all cancerous cells are no longer in the body.
- Radiation Therapy- This therapy uses high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy- This therapy kills cancer cells using drugs. The drugs are either administered through a vein in the arm or orally.
- Targeted Drug Therapy- This therapy uses drugs to target a specific abnormality with the cancer cells to kill them.
- Immunotherapy- This therapy boosts the body's immune system to encourage it to fight cancer cells.
Preventing Lung Cancer
Not all types of lung cancer are preventable, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing the disease significantly.
- Don't smoke- Smoking and second-hand smoke are some of the most significant contributors to lung cancer. If you're a smoker, do your best to quit. If you are having trouble stopping, talk to your doctor about treatment options. If you are around people who smoke, speak to them about quitting.
- Keep your body healthy- Keep your body healthy with a well-balanced diet of vitamins and nutrients. You can also keep your body strong and healthy with regular exercise. Talk to your doctor about safe physical activities, such as walking or swimming, if you're new to working out.
- Protect yourself against carcinogens- Carcinogens are toxic chemicals that some factory and trade workers might get exposed to. If you work somewhere with poisonous substances, make sure to wear a face-covering and other precautions to stay safe.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or an aging loved one has lung cancer and needs assistance at home, we can help. Visiting Angels caregivers can provide light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, mobility assistance, transportation to doctor's appointments, and more. Our Augusta office serves those in Augusta, Evans, Martinez, and the surrounding Georgia communities. If you'd like to learn more about our services and how we can assist you and your aging loved one, you can complete this online form or call us at 706.955.4220.