The following information was obtained in part from the MDAnderson website:
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER
Symptoms of lung cancer vary from person to person and may include:
* a cough that will not go away and gets worse over time
* constant chest pain, or arm and shoulder pain
* coughing up blood
* shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarsness
* repeated episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis
* swelling of the face and neck
* loss of appetite and/or weight loss
* fatigue
* clubbing of fingers
Many of these symptoms are not cancer, but if you notice one or more of them for more than two weeks, see your doctor, even if you have none of the following risk factors. Better safe than sorry. Early diagnosis increases the chance of better treatments or even a cure.
RISK FACTORS
* smoking is by far the most important risk factor. Individuals who smoke pipes and cigars are at even higher risk.
* family history--research is beginning to show that a family history of lung cancer may be a risk factor.
* personal history. A person with a previous cancer diagnosis is more likely to develop a second lung cancer.
* occupational or environmental exposure--people who are routinely exposed to radon or asbestos are at increased risk for developing lung cancer--particularly if they are smokers
* radiation exposure--people who are routinely exposed to radiation from occupational, medical, and environmental sources are at increased risk.
* industrial exposure--people who are exposed to certain industrial substances like arsenic can be at high risk
* air pollution--the byproducts of the combustion of fossil feuls can put people at risk.
* environmental tobacco smoke (second hand smoke)--people who live with or are routinely around smokers are at higher risk
* lung diseases--people with tuberculosis (TB) are at higher risk
SMOKING IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 87% OF ALL LUNG CANCER CASES IN THE UNITED STATES. Eliminating the use of tobacco is the key to reducing the impact of the disease.
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