Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer worldwide for both men and women. That’s partially due to the fact most people don’t show symptoms until it’s already at an advanced stage. What’s more, data from the American Lung Association shows Kentucky is the third worst in the nation for the number of new lung cancer cases. But lung cancer is treatable, especially if it’s caught in the early stages.
Common symptoms include:
– Persistent coughing
– Chest pain
– Coughing up blood
– Feeling of tiredness all the time
– Loss of appetite
– Shortness of breath
– Unintentional weight loss
Different people may show different symptoms. If you have symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss them.
Some people are at greater risk for developing lung cancer than others, based on lifestyle choices and where you live. The biggest cause of lung cancer is smoking. It’s responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases. If you quit smoking, you may dramatically decrease your odds of lung cancer. But it’s not just smokers who are at risk. Breathing in secondhand smoke is a significant contributor to lung cancer cases, so if you are frequently around others who smoke, your odds of developing lung cancer go up.
But you don’t have to be around smoke to have a high risk of lung cancer. It can also be caused by inhaling radon. Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless radioactive gas that is naturally released from groundwater, rocks, and soil. It can get into homes and buildings. It’s estimated about one in 15 homes may have elevated radon levels. You can get a radon test kit for your home by contacting the Kentucky Radon Program at (502) 564-4856. If the levels are high, you should speak with a healthcare provider about your results. You should also speak with a certified radon professional to get the problem fixed.
The sooner you act, the easier it is to deal with lung cancer.
Lexington Clinic offers lung cancer screenings, utilizing CT scans with no-contrast dye and minimal exposure to radiation. For more information, click here or call (859) 258-4062.
