Lung Cancer: Probable Causes and Symptoms

Lung cancer, as the name suggests, populates in the lungs. Lungs are the vital organs in the body, solely responsible for inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Lung cancer is one of the rising forms of cancer that affects both men and women. It is responsible for taking more lives than cancers like Prostate, Ovarian, Breast, and others.

Smokers are deemed to be at a higher risk of contracting lung cancer. However, it does not mean that non-smokers are in the safe zone. The risk of lung cancer is for both smokers and non-smokers, but the former group is closer to the Red zone. Below, we have stated the symptoms and causes related to lung cancer.

Lung Cancer: Symptoms To Watch Out

Lung cancer does not show early signs in the initial stages. Some symptoms typically surface in the advanced stage of cancer. Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for:

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in cough
• Pain in the chest
• Abnormal weight loss
• Pain in the bones
• Constant headache

If you have any of these symptoms that are prevalent and are not showing any sign of going away, then you must consult a doctor. Of course, in many cases, these symptoms may not result in the diagnosis. However, it is always suggested to take preventive measures to catch the disease in the early stages. Smokers who are unable to quit and have been experiencing any of the symptoms must consult a doctor for counselling and diagnosis.

Get Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Lung Cancer: Probable Causes

Smoking: Lung cancer does not have any clear causes. Although smoking has been regarded as one of the reasons for Lung cancer, it cannot be the only factor. Smoking allegedly causes it in both smokers and passive smokers, wherein the latter is at risk due to prolonged secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking damages the lining cells in lungs; cigarettes have cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) that causes the tissue damage in the lungs. Repeated exposure to the substance could result in cancer development.

Exposure to Lethal Substances: Harmful exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens substances including arsenic, chromium and nickel could increase the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers.

Family Genetics: Parents, siblings, or children of affected patients may also be at risk of developing it at later stages.

Consult a doctor online

Lung Cancer: Preventive Measures That May Help

There is no sure-shot way of safeguarding oneself from Lung cancer; however, some prevention could reduce the risk to some extent. Here are some of the preventions that one can practice for keeping it at bay:

• Do not smoke / Quit smoking
• Wear a face mask while driving in the open-air
• Consume diet enriched with fruits and vegetables
• Avoid taking large doses of vitamins
• Exercise regularly