What is lung cancer?
Cancer is a disease that causes cells in your body to grow uncontrollably. Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. There are two main types of lung cancer:
Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer is less common than the non-small cell type. Almost all people who get this form of lung cancer are heavy smokers.
Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is a broad term that encompasses many types of lung cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine screening at The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute is so important. Screening can detect lung cancer before the disease is advanced enough to cause symptoms. Lung cancer screening typically involves low-dose computed tomography (LDTC), a noninvasive imaging test.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Bone pain
- Hoarseness
- Headache
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss without a known cause
Many of these symptoms are similar to those of other lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Who is at risk of getting lung cancer?
A variety of factors can increase your risk of lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to secondhand smoke are two major risk factors that you can control. Quitting smoking can dramatically reduce your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve smoked for many years.
Other risk factors for lung cancer include:
- Having a family history of lung cancer
- Exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and arsenic
- Previous radiation therapy
- Exposure to radon gas
If you’re a smoker or have a history of heavy smoking, and are between ages 55-80, you should get screened for lung cancer on a yearly basis.
What can I do to reduce my risk of lung cancer?
The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute aims to prevent disease whenever possible. They help you reduce your risk of lung cancer with smoking cessation programs, which may include counseling, behavior therapy, and medications. Other ways to reduce your risk of lung cancer include:
- Testing your home for radon
- Avoiding exposure to carcinogens
- Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Exercising most days of the week
If you have lung cancer symptoms or are at a high risk of developing this disease, call The Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute or schedule an appointment online today.
