Our lungs are made up of normal lung tissues. But then sometimes the cells go haywire and the cells began to be uncontrollable without taking into consideration the shape and the function of the lung. Lung cancer occurs with the formation of the tumors that block the main function of the lungs which is to allow the passage of the oxygen to the bloodstream. Our lungs are by nature large in size and for this reason, we may not know it but it can grow without being detected or causing any suspicion. Lung cancer can spread outside the lungs without having any symptoms. The most common symptom of lung cancer is the occurrence of persistent cough that are mostly mistaken as a cold or bronchitis.

Typically lung cancer symptoms do not show signs in the early stage, it will only occur and will be noticeable once the cancer is at the advance stage. Cough is the most common symptom. This will happen when the tumor begins to block the passageway of the air. The cough will not go away even if you keep on taking medication for the cough. Another common symptom is the pain in the chest area, shoulder, back pain or joint paint that is felt constantly. The pain could be related and many not are associated with constant coughing. Other symptoms are swelling of the neck and face, shortness of breath, coughing of blood, repeated occurrence of bronchitis or pneumonia. You will also notice that the person is losing weight although he is not trying. Other symptoms can also be experienced that are not related to the lungs. This is when the cancer has spread already to the other parts of the body. This will depend on which organs are affected; the signs and symptoms may include weakness, bone fractures, headaches, bleeding and blood clots.

Cigarette smoking is always associated as one of the leading causes of lung cancer. There is no doubt about this; cigarette smoking is the only common risk factor that causes the development of lung cancer. In fact, 80% of the lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.

Radon also causes of lung cancer. Radon is one of the radioactive gases we have which is produced by the normal cycle of soil rich in uranium and bedrock. When radiation particles are released and people are exposed to these elements, it damages the linings of the cells in the lungs. Radon is almost in the air but it is more dangerous when in it is highly concentrated. This can be present in the cracks of old homes, buildings and other structures that allow radon to enter especially in areas that are highly insulated and tightly sealed.

Asbestos which is the main cause of mesothelioma cancer also causes lung cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, it will irritate the tissue of the lungs that will result in malignancy.

Additionally, inhaling secondhand smoke can induce the growth of lung cancer. This means that any person who inhales cigarette is at a great risk of obtaining lung cancer as well.

Lung cancer is the main cause of deaths as a result of acquiring cancer. Men are at high risk of getting cancer because men have high rate of smoking. But then, with women are into smoking, the number of cancer deaths outnumbered deaths in breast cancer. Combining outside factors currently, women are more prone of developing lung cancer than men. There were studies that insinuate that estrogen helps in the growth of lung cancer thus, this increase the risk of lung cancer in women.

There is only one proper solution to this problem and that is to stop from smoking or never go near a person who is smoking. Avoid areas with radon, asbestos and pollution. Have your home and work area inspected by the presence of radon and asbestos. If your location is on the dangerous level have them sealed off. You must know the health history of your family, if there is a history of lung cancer or even lung disease, always be on guard about the warning signs of the disease.

These will increase the risk of acquiring lung cancer. If you have tuberculosis or other related lung disease, you must act fast and control the disease. Lung cancer is more likely to develop in scarred areas of the lungs. Furthermore, eat the right food with fresh fruits and vegetables for this will help in the prevention of lung cancer. Live in an environment where the air quality is perfect and support the green environment.

However, if you unfortunately acquired the cancer of the lungs, there are several treatments available and this includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Because of the advancement when radiation and chemotherapy are combined, the survival rate for non-small lung cancer has improved a lot. However, small cell lung cancer which is common among cigarette smokers is the hardest type of cancer to treat. Small cells are the most aggressive cancer of the lungs and at the same time diagnosed only when it is in the advance stage. They will respond to chemotherapy and radiation however, in time, it will relapse and will need further treatment.

This only shows that there is still a need for more effective method of treatment for lung cancer. Recent drugs related to lung cancer protect the normal cells from being damaged during the course of chemotherapy. Early detection is the key to the success of these treatments. Once you have a history of persistent cough, presence of blood when you cough, shortness of breath, weight loss and loss of appetite, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Taking close monitor and consideration of the facts about lung cancer can help a person avoid the factors that can put their lives at threat by acquiring the disease.