In today’s world, cancer casts a long shadow over many lives, and lung cancer stands as one of the most prevalent and challenging around the globe. Lung cancer is the 2nd most prevalent cancer worldwide, and there were more than 2.2 million new cases of lung cancer in 2020. This cancer is a major public health problem, claiming countless lives across the globe. Even though this is a very deadly cancer, you can improve your survival rate if this is detected early.
Read on to learn how to detect lung cancer and everything you need to know.
Lung cancer originates in the lung when cells in the body start to grow out of control. It can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, including the brain, from your lungs. It is a major health problem that can result in severe injury or death. There are two types of lung cancer, and they are as follows:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common type, accounting for 79% to 86% of all lung cancers, progresses slower than small-cell lung cancer. NSCLC has three primary subtypes:
Despite originating from different lung cells, their treatment and prognosis are often similar.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Developing faster and more challenging to treat
than NSCLC, SCLC is often detected as a small lung tumour that has already spread to other body parts. SCLC is divided into two types:
Self-examination of the chest and surrounding areas can serve as a way to be aware of changes and prompt early medical visits for lung cancer. An at-home cancer screening test might help you detect lung cancer early. Here are the step-by-step procedures for self-examination techniques for lung cancer:
Step 1: Perform visual inspection for any abnormalities. Check for changes in skin colour, texture, or sudden lesions on your chest and surrounding regions.
Step 2: Use your hands to feel your chest or breast, neck, and arm regions for any lumps, bumps, or areas of tenderness.
Step 3: Keep an eye on your breathing pattern. See if you have any sudden and persistent changes like shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing.
Step 4: Keep track of any changes in your cough, such as the frequency, length, or presence of blood. Also, look for any sudden changes in the colour and consistency of the sputum.
Step 5: Check your respiratory health for any persistent respiratory symptoms that are not going away after an extended time.
The steps mentioned above will help you in early detection of possible lung cancer. However, you should remember that specialists do not recommend them because studies have yet to demonstrate their dependability. Only clinical procedures, such as imaging and biopsies, can confirm a lung cancer diagnosis.
You can suffer from various symptoms if you have lung cancer. Some include:
Your symptoms depend on the stage of your lung cancer. A persistent cough or pneumonia can be an early symptom of lung cancer. You may start having more of these symptoms as your condition worsens. Sometimes, you may have the symptoms early, and other times, they may appear after the cancer has progressed into the later stages.
Regular screenings like CT scans and X-rays for lung cancer in high-risk individuals play a major role in the early detection and management of this cancer. Early detection of this cancer can reduce mortality rates in high-risk individuals. Early detection also allows for timely intervention and a higher likelihood of successful treatment.
To optimise the benefits of early detection and management, lung cancer screening is suggested for certain age groups and individuals with certain risk factors. Adults aged 50 to 80 who have a history of heavy smoking, work in a hazardous environment, or have a family history should have frequent screening.
If you notice symptoms of lung cancer, take action promptly:
Taking prompt action and seeking medical advice can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment outcomes for lung cancer.
Early detection and proper treatment are pivotal in combating lung cancer, a prevalent yet highly lethal condition. Upon noticing symptoms, regular self-examination and proactive discussions with your healthcare provider are crucial to saving lives. Don’t underestimate the importance of early intervention—it could be the difference between life and death.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about lung cancer, take proactive steps toward your health with AS Lifeline Cancer Care Hospital. Our compassionate specialists are committed to providing comprehensive care and support tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your journey towards healing and hope.
