Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Shera.
Lung cancer kills thousands of people every year in Pakistan. AKUH defined lung cancer as the ‘uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung’. If it is not treated in time, then the cells can multiply which can be extremely harmful. Only a few percentages of people diagnosed with lung cancer are diagnosed at an early stage.
This cancer is prevalent in all genders, smokers and even non-smokers. The survival rate of lung cancer might be low but you can definitely save a life by knowing of the signs and symptoms. Read ahead to find out the signs and symptoms and preventative measures you can take to eradicate lung cancer.
Look out for the signs and symptoms
Early symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath or coughing.
However, as cancer develops the symptoms become much more severe. Some of the other symptoms included are:
- Blood while coughing
- Pain in back, shoulders, and chest
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Not feeling hungry and losing appetite
- Wheezing and hoarseness
Some of the less common symptoms include:
- Pain while swallowing
- Swelling in neck and face
- Changes in the appearance of fingers (finger clubbing)
How to prevent lung cancer?
You do need to rote-learn these measures to take care of your health. Some of the measures you can take to avoid lung cancer are:
Quit Smoking:
Smoking is definitely one of the main causes of lung cancer and should be stopped immediately. However, if you are a chain smoker then try to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily. If you have never smoked, then don’t start smoking and stop being around people who smoke. Remember, indirect smoking is equally harmful to your health.
Avoid Carcinogens:
You need to take precautions to protect yourself against exposure to toxic chemicals. Wear a face mask while traveling and at work.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables
Choose a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid taking large doses of pills, as that can be harmful for you. However, you can take a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Let your lungs be healthy
There are efforts being made to cure lung cancer. But, that doesn’t mean that you don’t take care of your health. It is important to take preventative measures to avoid cancer. However, if your symptoms aggravate, then it is suggested that you visit a pulmonologist. Stay healthy, safe and protect your lungs!
Written By: Asma Qadri.
