It’s lung cancer awareness month and taking care of our lungs is more important now than ever.
Lung cancer is one of the ten most common cancers affecting Australians and occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs.
What can increase your risk of developing lung cancer?
Several factors can make you more susceptible to developing lung cancer include tobacco smoking, older age, family history, previous history of cancer, other chronic lung conditions, passive smoking, air pollution and other irritants such as asbestos.
What are the signs to look out for?
- A cough that does not go away or produces blood
- Chest or shoulder pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Hoarseness
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Weight loss
How can we protect our lungs?
- Avoid smoking cigarettes including e-cigarettes.
- Avoid other cancer-causing agents such as second hand smoke, asbestos, radon and areas of high air pollution.
- Eating your 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit day may decrease your risks of developing lung cancer.
Early detection is key! Scans to detect lung cancer before it spreads to other areas of the body can improve your chances of surviving longer than 5 years by 60%.
Find more of our health tips here.
Book an appointment with us here or call us on 9651 5559.
Sources:
Cancer Australia. Lung cancer awareness month. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/key-initiatives/campaigns-and-events/lung-cancer-awareness-month
Cancer Australia. Lung cancer. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lung-cancer/awareness
American Cancer Society. 2019. Can lung cancer be prevented? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html