Lung Health

Lung Cancer, biologically known as Bronchogenic Carcinoma, is spreading much faster than other types of cancer. Each year there are more than 40,000 people diagnosed as suffering from lung cancer all over the world. The lung cancer rate is on the rise among women because of the increase in smoking. There are fears that it may even become more common than breast cancer.
There are two major types of lung cancers: Primary Lung Cancer and Secondary Lung Cancer. These are further subdivided into many other forms of lung cancer.
PRIMARY LUNG CANCER
There are three main types in primary lung cancer.

• The symptoms of lung cancer are:
• Having a cough most of the time
• A change in a cough you have had for a long time
• Being short of breath
• Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with signs of blood in it
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight 
  These symptoms can develop later on as a result of the neglecting of diagnosis
• A hoarse voice 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Swelling in the face or neck 
• Shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs (called pleural effusion) 
  You should always see your doctor if you are worried about any symptoms you think are caused by the lung cancer. If you have lung cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
  There are some strange symptoms that can be caused by lung cancer. Sometimes, cancer cells produce hormones that get into the bloodstream. These hormones can produce strange symptoms, which might not be apparently related to the disease. 
• Pins and needles or numbness in fingers or toes 
• Muscle weakness 
• Feeling drowsy or confused 
• Breast swelling in men
  

• People can lower their risk of developing lung cancer by managing the risk factors. 
• Try to consume a low-fat diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.
• Go for the greens! Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are believed to protect against cancer.
• Take a good strong antioxidant supplement daily.
• Smoked or cured meats should be eaten only occasionally and prepared fresh rather than from processed foods.
• Avoid fried foods, animal proteins, coffee, tea, sausage, hot dogs, ham.
• Quit smoking. This includes any type of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and the like.
• Don’t drink alcohol heavily. 
• If cancer exists in your family, get an annual checkup to rule out possible risks.
• Obesity has been linked to cancer; try to lose excess weight.
• Avoid unnecessary x-rays.
• Get your home checked for radon gas levels.
• Exercise regularly. Not only will your immune system benefit due to increased efficiency, you will also feel new energy flowing through your body.
• Take regular doses of vitamin C with bioflavonoids. They may inhibit the formation of carcinogens in the body, thereby decreasing the risk of cancer.

Lung Cancer is a killer and affects not only the victims, but also their family. Cigar and cigarette smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer and the disease is therefore preventable. The risk of lung cancer is lower among both smokers and nonsmokers who consume recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Both your general health and your respiratory status will be evaluated. A detailed medical history will be taken. You will be asked about previous illness, smoking and occupational history, respiratory symptoms and general health. A complete physical examination will be done with special attention to the lungs, the lymph nodes in your neck and underarms, and the abdomen. If surgery is a possibility, your doctor needs to determine whether you can tolerate surgery. Many different kinds of tests may be used: several kinds of X-ray examinations, as well as other methods of obtaining a picture of the inside of the body. Your doctor will decide which ones you need. Instruments may be used to look into various parts of the body, and in some cases specimens will be taken for examination in the laboratory. Sputum, blood, urine and other body fluids will be examined. If necessary, an operation will be performed to complete the diagnosis. Although some people believe that lung cancer can be diagnosed by a blood test, this is not true. Blood tests may help determine whether the cancer has spread to an organ such as the liver, but such tests must be done in conjunction with other studies.

• Avoid saturated fats, salt, sugar, alcohol, coffee, caffeine, animal proteins and restrict dairy products.
• Increase the amount of fiber, raw fruits and vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, and freshly squeezed juices in your diet.
• Soy foods should be a part of your daily diet as they are excellent sources of protein and contain cancer-fighting compounds.
• Keep the bowels active by eating soaked figs, prunes and raisins. Brown rice also gives good results.

• Use relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. This will ease tension and enable you to practice visualization therapy.
• Keep a positive attitude. This will help you block out depressive thoughts and feelings.
• Share your feelings with family, friends and self-help groups. 
• Minimize hair loss apply by applying cold packs to the scalp while taking radiation or chemotherapy.
• Involve yourself in the activities you love to do. This will keep you in a positive frame of mind
• Keep up appearances and look attractive. It’ll do wonders for your self-esteem. 
• Engage in mild exercise such as walking and make it a part of your routine.

• Try to maintain a positive attitude towards life and avoid stressful situations. Studies show that our mental attitude and the way we deal with stress can contribute to developing cancer. 
• Don’t to take everything to heart, as an event of sorrow can lead to the development of cancer. 
• Try to control anger and stay calm because unresolved grief or anger is often the root of physical damage. Counting to ten and breathing deeply when angry will prove helpful.
• Optimism and hopefulness play an important role in keeping you away from diseases like cancer. A positive outlook towards life can go a long way in helping you heal, physically and mentally from grief and anger.
• Talk about your worries and concerns to a close friend, relative or contact a self-help group. 
• Enjoy your surroundings and be lively. Not only will this help lift your spirits, your health will improve too as your body is filled with positive feelings.
• If you receive a diagnosis, follow a positive mental attitude and avoid negative emotions.