Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
By Steve Valentino

Approximately 80 percent of people with lung cancer have non-small cell lung cancer. Depending on the type of cancer cell present, non-small cell cancer is in turn divided into several subtypes. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in thin, flat surface cells that line the respiratory tract, and is the most common type. Adenocarcinoma forms in cells that have a secretory or glandular function. Adenosquamous carcinoma begins in flattened cells that also have secretory properties. In sarcomatoid carcinoma, cells look markedly abnormal under the microscope. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly, and release hormones when stimulated by the nervous system. Cells in salivary glands in larger airways can also become cancerous.

Cancer cells in non-small cell lung cancer can produce hormones or hormone-like substances to cause certain conditions called paraneoplastic syndromes. These conditions include high blood calcium levels, abnormal clotting, overgrowth of certain bones and those in the fingertips in particular, and abnormal breast growth in men.

People with non-small cell lung cancer tend to be diagnosed later in the course of their disease, making these a difficult group of cancers to treat. The type of cancer, its location and stage, the presence of symptoms, and the patients overall condition and ability to withstand treatment all affect the ultimate outcome. Symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up of blood, fatigue, fever and weight loss. A diagnosis is typically made by imaging, a lung biopsy, and blood tests.

Early non-small cell lung cancer can be treated by surgery. Once it spreads to surrounding chest tissues and to lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are frequently employed. Newer forms of treatment include laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and biotherapy. The five-year survival rate for early non-small cell lung cancer is close to 50 percent; five-year survival drops to about two percent in the most advanced cases. A number of clinical trials are underway to find better treatment options. The National Cancer Institute website provides information on such trials.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Asbestos Asbestosis Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Asbestos - Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer
By Michael Russell

Asbestos has many appealing qualities for builders. It is strong, flexible and corrosion resistant. It is also burn resistant and a good insulator. There are not many substances with these qualities and may explain why it was so widely used. It becomes hazardous when asbestos containing materials are disturbed or damaged. Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers. When the materials become disturbed or damaged, these fibers separate and may become airborne. These fibers may get into the lungs and that may lead to serious and even fatal diseases. Some of these diseases include:

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung disease. Inhaling asbestos fibers for an extended period of time causes it. This disease takes twenty five to forty years to develop. As asbestos fibers become trapped in your lungs, the body will produce an acid to try to eliminate these fibers. The continued production of the acid can eventually scar the tissues in your lungs. An excessive amount of scarring may cause the lungs to function improperly. This can lead to serious breathing difficulties. If asbestosis is left untreated, it may cause cardiac failure. At this time, there is no effective treatment for this disease. People who renovate or demolish buildings that contain asbestos have the greatest risk of getting asbestosis. The chances of getting this disease through physical contact with a person who works with asbestos are minimal. People who worked in naval shipyards were the first ones diagnosed with asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the pleura (the outer membrane that encloses the lung and chest cavity) and/ or the peritoneum (the membrane lining the walls of the abdominal cavity). In the United States, there are only about 3000 new cases of this disease annually. Exposure to asbestos has been the cause in all of the cases. The exposure in these cases lasted anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. Unlike other forms of cancer, there is only one known cause of mesothelioma. Studies indicate that people who work in areas that contain asbestos, such as mines, mills, factories, or shipyards, or who manufacture and install asbestos installation are at the greatest risk of getting mesothelioma. You are also at risk if you live with a worker exposed to asbestos or near any area containing asbestos. Studies also indicate that younger people are more likely to contract mesothelioma when they inhale asbestos. This is the reason why people are going to great lengths to protect school children from asbestos exposure.

Many cases of lung cancer can also be attributed to asbestos exposure. Lung cancer is actually the leading cause of death among all of the illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. You can aggravate the effects of lung cancer by about fifty percent if you start smoking. People who work in occupations where they are directly involved in the handling of asbestos are at a greater risk of getting lung cancer. Exposure to both asbestos and another carcinogen, such as cigarette smoke, puts you at greater risk of contracting lung cancer than exposure to asbestos alone. There was a study that indicated that exposure to asbestos and smoke makes you ninety times more likely to contract lung cancer than a person who is not exposed to either. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, breathing irregularities, chest pains and anemia. It usually takes fifteen to thirty years of exposure to asbestos to contract lung cancer.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Asbestos

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Lung Cancer: Basic Facts

Lung Cancer: Basic Facts
By Barney Garcia

We all have heard of lung cancer but how many of us are well aware of its symptoms? The lung cancer is one of the most perilous diseases that kill thousands of Americans every year and each year the number of cases are increasing. With the occurrences of lung cancer on the rise, it is essential that we learn about the basic factors leading to lung cancer and what should be the courses of action in case of lung cancer diagnosis. Here are the basic information regarding lung cancer that will help you to understand how and when it develops and how to steer clear of this killer disease.

Lung cancer is that condition of your lungs where an abnormal reproduction of cells takes place. And it can happen in one or both of your lungs. Sometimes lumps of cancerous cells or the tumors invade the organs. Our lungs allow the oxygen from the air to pass into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to eliminate from the system. Now any kind of lung disease including lung cancer impairs this function of lungs to transfer oxygen into blood and remove carbon dioxide from it. The result is many kinds of disorders relating to breathing trouble and cough.

Do you know what the most dreadful part of the lung cancer is? One rarely comes to suspect that he or she is suffering from lung cancer until it is too late and goes beyond any kind of treatment. This is because, signs and symptoms associated with lung cancer are never acute or alarming until the later stages of malignancy and it is often at this stage when someone starts to experience the typical symptoms of lung cancer. So it is recommended that if you ever experience any symptom even remotely related to lung cancer, rush to the doctor without delay so that in case of diagnosis of lung cancer you can avail the treatments as early as possible. The earlier the disease is diagnosed; greater are the chances of survival.

So what are the common symptoms of lung cancer? Nagging cough that seems never to end coupled with constant chest pain may be the warning of something being grossly wrong with your lungs. If you are suffering from recurring pneumonia or bronchitis, it may be an indication that you should immediately see an oncologist. The person displaying certain apathy for food followed by a remarkable weight loss may be an indication of lung cancer and the patients of lung cancer often complain of fatigue. However, swelling of neck and face is also one of the symptoms of lung cancer.

Remember lung cancer can be prevented if you give up smoking. So stay away from the cigars, cigarettes, pipes and other tobacco products. Also insist that the smokers should always smoke inside the smoking zone; do not allow the second hand smokes damage your lungs.

Barney Garcia writes about lung disease and lung cancer topics. Visit: Lung Cancer Articles and Lung Disease Articles

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Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung Cancer Treatment
By Steve Valentino

The most commonly used treatments for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The exact treatment a lung cancer patient receives will depend on several factors. These include the type of cancer, the stage or extent to which it has spread at the time of diagnosis, and the overall health of the patient.

Non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for about 80 percent of lung cancer cases, is treated depending on its stage at diagnosis. Lung surgery is the mainstay of treatment for the early stages of lung cancer. Cancerous tissue, along with a margin of healthy tissue, is removed. Patients who are unable to have surgery may be treated with radiotherapy. While cure rates for early lung cancer are good, it is rarely detected in its early stages. As non-small cell cancer spreads within the chest, it is treated with some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Once cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy and radiotherapy replace surgery as the main treatment options. A number of drugs are available, and many more are being tested in clinical trials. Radiotherapy is palliative, and while it may ease symptoms such as pain and cough, it will not stop cancer growth. If the cancer obstructs a major airway, using a laser, freezing the tumor or keeping the airway open with a stent or tube may remove the obstruction.

Small cell lung cancer, which is found in about 20 percent of lung cancer patients, is more aggressive and more likely to have spread by the time of diagnosis. It is therefore treated primarily with chemotherapy. Radiotherapy to the chest may also be used to kill off remaining cancer cells. This type of cancer often spreads to the brain. This is why radiotherapy to the brain may be used as a prophylactic even if no cancer is detected in the brain.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Lung Cancer Stages

Lung Cancer Stages
By Steve Valentino

Cancers are staged depending on how far they have spread. Staging a cancer correctly is essential to select the most appropriate treatment option. A number of diagnostic tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, bronchoscopy, blood tests, bone scans, and biopsies are used to find out how far the cancer has spread.

Non-small cell lung cancers, which account for about 80 percent of lung cancers, are staged using the Roman numerals 0 through IV. If a cancer is too small to be detected, it is called an occult or hidden cancer and not assigned any numeral. Stage 0 cancer, or carcinoma in situ, is limited to the lung and only involves a few layers of cells. Stage I cancer is still limited to the lung, with an area of normal tissue surrounding it. Stage I cancers are further divided into Stage IA and Stage IB, depending on the size of the tumor. In stage II cancer, the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, the chest wall, the diaphragm, or to the tissues lining the lung (pleura) and the heart (pericardium). In stage III cancer, lymph nodes in the central chest or on the other side of the body from the original tumor are involved. Stage III cancer is further divided into stage IIIA and stage IIIB. In stage IV cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones or brain, or to a lobe of the other lung. Cancers that are stages 0 through IIIA may be treated with surgery. Treatment of stage III and stage IV cancers requires chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Small cell lung cancer has two stages. Limited-stage cancer is limited to only one lung, the tissues between the lungs, and nearby lymph nodes. In extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The brain is commonly involved in extensive-stage cancer.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer
By Karen Lavender

We all know about the important function that our lungs perform i.e. absorption of oxygen into our blood and the expelling out of carbon dioxide into air. Lungs are a very critical organ of our body and lung cancer (or development of malignant cells in lungs) can really be life threatening.

Causes of lung cancer

Most people would know the primary cause of lung cancer (after all there is so much propaganda about what increases the risk of lung cancer the most). Yes, smoking tobacco is the main culprit behind lung cancer (or behind increasing the risk of lung cancer). Even passive smoking can slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. Its unfortunate that even with all that propaganda and people knowing that smoking can cause lung cancer, people continue to smoke tobacco. People working in industries which involve extensive use of asbestos and other chemical substances/fumes are also at a greater risk of lung cancer.

Symptoms of lung cancer

Most of the symptoms of lung cancer are related to cough conditions. However, the difference is that lung cancer may lead to prolonged cough or blood coming out with cough. Chest infections, difficulty in breathing or a pain in breathing etc. are some of the symptoms of lung cancer. But again, the occurrence of such symptoms should not lead you to concluding that you have lung cancer. Only a qualified doctor through proper examination and tests can deduce whether you have lung cancer or not.

Diagnosis of lung cancer

When there are symptoms of lung cancer, the doctor might start with getting an x-ray and a sputum test done for you. CT scans and biopsies are other specialist means of diagnosing lung cancer. The diagnosis of lung cancer can be done quite definitively.

Treatment of lung cancer

As is the case with most types of cancer, the treatment of lung cancer is pretty much planned based on the type of lung cancer, its size, the stage of lung cancer and your general health. The main treatments of lung cancer include chemotherapy and radiotherapy (and the combination of both is usually used). Surgical procedures are also used in some cases but again the suitability of surgery is determined by the doctor on the basis of a number of other factors. So, the best thing to do is avoid smoking and cut down your risk of lung cancer.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Lung Cancer blog for more information.

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History of Lung Cancer

History of Lung Cancer
By Steve Valentino

Lungs are part of the body, responsible for breathing. Lung cancer is caused by abnormal cells that grow into a malignant tumor. The factors that cause lung cancer are many.

Personal and family history of a person are two aspects that may cause lung cancer. Smoking is one of the primary reasons for growth of cancerous cells. History of chain smoking may increase chances of contracting this dreaded disease. It is also possible to be at risk even if not a smoker. Passive smokers are also susceptible to this disease.

Persons above the age of 40 are more liable to be afflicted with cancer. Though it is not a rule and there are enough younger people also who have been afflicted by this disease. People who are exposed to air pollution have to be especially careful and observe for tell tale signs of lung cancer.

Family history of lung cancer increases risks to the disease. It is therefore important to keep updated about the symptoms and causes of the disease. Sometimes the symptoms can be as simple as a cough or fatigue. At times it can be more complicated as a swelling in the throat or difficulty in breathing or swallowing. It is essential to keep tab on personal medical history to help in early detection of the disease.

Lung cancer is a disease that is difficult to detect. Usually it is in the later stages that doctors can actually detect the seriousness of the disease. Treatment for lung cancer is a tedious process. Advanced stages of lung cancer may require a combination of treatments to cure it. Chances of total cure are reduced, if the disease spreads to other parts of the body.

Due to its hereditary factor, children or relatives of lung cancer affected patients should take extra care to get checked regularly and rule out possibility of getting the disease. Regular exercise and a diet with low fat with high fiber content can reduce chances of getting the disease. It would be beneficial to quit smoking and stick to moderate consumption of alcohol.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Higher Leverage Against Lung Cancer

Higher Leverage Against Lung Cancer
By Hendrick Wilbur

The fight against cancer has been progressively advancing through the years. Combined efforts from the government, civil society, and health advocacy groups have gained dramatic results. Cancer awareness is on the rise, alternative less cancer-prone lifestyles are arising, while medical researches and technological advancement have tremendously leveled up the fight against one of the world's leading killer. The classic chemotherapy has been modernized and combined with other treatments like radiation, laser, and even organic medicines.

In America alone, the National Health Institute of the US Department of Health and Human Services through its anti-cancer arm National Cancer Institute reported that the death rate due to cancer is still on the decline. In it's annual report to the nation, the NCI claimed that the cancer death rates are progressively declining and progress in cancer treatments are continuously on the rise. In men, study from 1993 to 2002 recorded a decline of 1.5 percent death rate from all cases of cancer. This is higher compared to women's 0.08 percent decline rate.

This report has put the US Department of Health and Human Services at a better position in achieving the goals of its Health People 2010 campaign. The statistics revealed that lung cancer is still consistently leading the nation's cancer death rates. Although a decrease in tobacco-related cancer cases is being achieved, the challenge to drastically reduce its death toll is still as hard as it has always been before. With more and more people puffing cigarettes, lung or bronco cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women.

Dubbed as he most common cancer, lung cancer is now the subject of numerous studies and experimentations in many countries with advance cancer research programs and facilities like the United Kingdom and Australia. A wider knowledge on lung cancer is now available. A classification has been made between Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Small cell lung cancer is the case where in malignant cancer cells grow in the tissues of the lungs. Three types of Small Cell Lung Cancer are known: small cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and combined small cell carcinoma. Smoking, second hand smoking, and exposure to asbestos and radon are the known causes of Small Cell Lung Cancer. Current treatments do not successfully cure cases of Small Cell Lung Cancer. However, studies in Germany revealed that surgery (removal of cancer cells or tumor), systematic post-surgery chemotherapy, and sustained local treatments (e.g. *radiation therapy*) have a higher probability of curing this type of lung cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, on the other hand, is the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for four of every five deaths from lung cancer. There are several known types of Non-Small Lung Cancer, the three most common are the Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Large Cell Carcinoma, and Adenocarcinoma. The others are pleomorphic, carcinoid tumor, and salivary gland carcinoma. Like the other lung cancer type, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is mostly caused by smoking (first and second hand), high exposure to air pollution, and exposure to chemicals like asbestos, chromium, and arsenic.

In 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine reported a breakthrough in treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It reported that current studies reveal that chemotherapy, after the traditional Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment of surgery, can increase the survival rate among patients. In a study, an overwhelming 15 percent increase of survival rate was recorded among patients who had chemotherapy after surgery. Sixty-nine percent of those who had post-surgery chemotherapy's were reported to be still alive five years after the surgery compared to the 54 percent who did not.

Furthermore, a study in Switzerland suggested an even greater breakthrough for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment. The study proposed that in addition to chemotherapy, a combination of the innovative cancer drugs Tarceva and Avastin can lead to higher survival rate for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients. Tarceva is approved in the US and across the European Union for patients with unsuccessful cancer treatments through chemotherapy. Also in US and Europe, Avastin is a popular effective medicine for colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. The proposed combination is seen to serve as a stronger combat against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, especially for the recurring cases.

In the US, the Health and Human Services Department clearly targets the habit of smoking as the main antagonist in the fight against lung cancer. A propaganda campaign is almost everywhere to make Americans, if not totally quit, slowdown on smoking.

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Overlooked Abnormal Cell Lung Cancer Has Its Pluses or Shall I Say Managable Cures

Overlooked Abnormal Cell Lung Cancer Has Its Pluses, or Shall I Say Managable Cures
By Jamie Quaranta

My grandfather recently discovered an enormous lump on the right side of his neck and above his collarbone.

He is a retired assembly manager, and he was exposed to radon gas, mustard gas, asbestos, and other notorious carcinogens during his three-decade-long tenure at an aviation manufacturing company in Connecticut.

He went to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for an adequate prognosis, as well as a thoracic oncologist for a biopsy. Both physicians removed a sample of his lung tissue for medical examination. The resulting diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma, an unusual form of small cell cancer located in the bodys respiratory and tracheal system.

However, when he underwent further testing at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer in the heart of New York City, his thoracic oncologist there said he was stricken with adenocarcinoma of the lungs, a rare type of large cell lung cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung adenocarcinoma is, ironically, the most common form of lung cancer among people over the age of 45, regardless of ones smoking habits or ones own history of working in industrial environments. In a simple twist of fate, BioImmune, Inc., an online health directory, reports that the same illness accounts for only 40 percent of all cases of lung cancer.

I really dont understand why I have lung cancer altogether, my grandfather says. I wasnt really exposed to that many chemicals in the workplace as frequently as my employees believed, nor was I ever considered an addicted smoker.

The good news behind lung adenocarcinoma is that, no matter what dire statistics are provided by health care organizations or universities, it can be treated effectively as long as its detected at an early stage.

Nowadays, primary care physicians are using computed topography (CT) scans to confirm the size and location of any malignant tumor. If cancerous cells prove to be prevalent in the lungs, the CT scan determines if they had spread to the brain or other places in the body. In addition, a tiny needle is inserted into the most suspicious areas of the lungs so that a small sample of removed abnormal tissue is examined in a laboratory for further analysis.

Another diagnostic tool frequently used by cancer specialists in todays health care industry is a PET scan. A three-dimensional picture of the entire body from the knees up to the head lights up to show suspicious areas that test positive for cancer.

Less common practices for treating this form of lung cancer are bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy, according to Dr. Edward J. Benz, Jr., the director of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in Boston, MA. Both diagnostic tools involve tube-like instruments. However, bronchoscopy is used to obtain a small piece of lung tissue for a biopsy, whereas mediastinoscopy obtains both lung tissue and lymph nodes for the same test.

Its ultimately up to the patient as to what medical procedure he or she feels is necessary, Benz, Jr. says. Still, I believe that a regular biopsy proves more effective than a biopsy used with an unusual-looking tubular device.

Depending on how far the large cancer cells in the lungs have spread, many doctors recommend chemotherapy or radiation, or a combination of both, for a hopefully successful recovery.

Chemotherapy, with or without radiation, can benefit all lung adenocarcinoma patients, said Dr. Harvey A. Weitzman, a thoracic oncologist practicing in Bridgeport, CT. The growth of any cancer cells can be eradicated if this specific form of treatment does what its supposed to do: Decrease coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms while prolonging life at the same time.

To Find Out More About The Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Mentioned in this Enlightening Article, Please Visit the Following Comprehensive Sites for Possible Forms of Treatment:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/LRN/LRN0.asp?dt=15

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/376.cfm

http://www.dana-farber.org/pat/adult/treatment-centers/Default.aspx?disease=Lung

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Effective Treatments For Lung Cancer

Effective Treatments For Lung Cancer
By Logan Pallas

Considered the most deadly of cancers, Lung cancer does not present any symptoms until it is well advanced. This reduces the success rate of treatments. In the United States, over 170,000 Americans are diagnosed annually. Smoking, along with other environmental exposures, is a causative agent in contracting lung cancer. Surprisingly, causes more cancer deaths in women than even breast cancer.

The traditional approaches to the treatment of lung cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. One or more of these treatments are often used in combination. There are an increasing number of new approaches in development, as well.

By way of definition, the major treatments for lung cancer are; chemotherapy, treatment with strong medication and one of the major procedures used today; Surgery, indicated when cancer is localized, used to prevent its spread (metastasis); radiation, or high-energy x-rays, which are sometimes used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, to kill cancer cells.A somewhat newer treatment Immunotherapy is used to boost the individuals own immune system to fight the disease more naturally.

Among the alternative therapies showing promise, Controlled Amino Acid Therapy (CAAT) has been developed and studied at the A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research. This procedure involves carbohydrate and protein deprivation. Dr. Marco Rabinwitz at the National Cancer Institute and Dr. Albert Lorincz of the University of Chicago have conducted research to support CAAT and its effectiveness in treating cancer. Briefly, CAAT has specific diet protocols and amino acid supplements which are scientifically formulated. This combination works to impair development and proliferation of cancerous cells.

In chemotherapy treatment, there are some new medications which work differently than traditional chemical agents. A treatment approved over 4 years ago, Gefitinib is administered in pill form. Specifically, it targets and blocks an enzyme which stimulates tumor cell growth and spreading. Another new chemotherapy treatment involves a combination of two chemical/biochemical agents - Bevacizumab and Erlotinib. Still in the study phase, this treatment is demonstrating promising results. Erlotinib works inside the cancer cell. It inhibits signals which trigger cancer cell growth. Bevacizumab, an antibody, functions outside of the cancer cell, prohibiting growth of blood vessels which would feed the tumor.

Photodynamic Therapy or PDT is yet another new treatment. In PDT a phototoxic drug (photosensitizer) is administered and followed by light exposure, either conventional or laser, targeting the cancerous tumor. An FDA approved method, its current application is for solid cancerous lesions. Within the PDT treatment, various immune cells play a critical role in effectiveness of tumor reduction and eradication, facilities, such as the BC Cancer Research Centre are examining the use PDT and immunotherapy in concert, using immunotherapy to catalyze the PDT.

With lung cancer being the most deadly and affecting such a broad spectrum of the population, the search for new and more effective treatments continues. Most promising are those that target more specific mechanisms of cancer cell growth. Basic research, conducted over the years, is now providing the background for development of more effective and less devastating lung cancer treatments.

Logan Pallas explores various lung cancer therapies on his Cancer Breakthroughs website. He is a medical researcher, cancer expert and proponent of alternative lung cancer treatment.

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Radiation May Perform Better Than Surgery For Late Stage Lung Cancer

Radiation May Perform Better Than Surgery For Late Stage Lung Cancer
By Tim Edwards

A new European study found that after the initial treatment for chemotherapy, radiation treatment may be a better solution than surgery for patients suffering from advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small lung cancer accounts for about 80 percent of all lung cancer cases reported.

The new study was reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, examined 579 patients suffering from late stage, non-small lung cancer that had advanced to the point where surgery could not effectively remove all of the cancer. All of the patients had received three cycles of chemotherapy.

After chemo, 165 received radiation treatment and 167 received surgery for the remaining cancer. On average, the patients receiving the radiation survived 17.5 months compared to 16.4 months for those who received the surgery. According to HealthDay, the five-year survival rate was 15.7 percent for those who had surgery compared with 14 percent for those treated with radiation. While the survival rates were similar, radiation was the preferred treatment because of its lower rates of complications and death.

The studys authors wrote, these results are important, because several centers routinely use chemotherapy followed by surgery to treat patients with this stage of disease based on small randomized studies that showed that surgery alone in inferior to chemotherapy and surgery in stage IIIA patients.

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Tim Edwards is the author of many health related articles as well as the owner of a consumer advocacy website. Visit this Consumer Advocacy website for more information on ordering medication from online with no prescription.

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Lung Cancer: Not Just a Man's Killer

Lung Cancer: Not Just a Man's Killer
By Tina Seay

Lung cancer has long been associated as a killer of men but now it has passed breast cancer as the number one killing cancer of women. The American Cancer Society states that women are 1.5 times more likely to get lung cancer than men. Studies also show that African American women are more likely to get lung cancer than white women.

While smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer to smokers, secondhand smoke also causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease to nonsmokers. There are about 20% of the women diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked (American Cancer Society). Some factors besides secondhand smoke includes: exposure to radon or asbestos, inhaling toxic chemicals or minerals, or just being genetically predisposed to getting it. However, the upside is that nonsmokers do generally respond positively to the treatments given for their cancer.

Lung cancer is caused by certain cells in the body malfunctioning and dividing abnormally. These cells end up producing excessive tissue that turns into a tumor. There are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Both types are treated differently.

So, how do you know if you may have lung cancer? Some signs include: labored breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, excessive, persistent coughing, an increase in phlegm, a change in the phlegm's color or bloody phlegm, pain in the back, chest, or shoulder area, and swelling in the face and neck. If you have any of these signs, see a doctor immediately.

If you are a smoker, your chances of getting lung cancer are greatly reduced when you quit smoking. The American Cancer Society states that in the last 30 years, the cure rate for lung cancer has doubled.

While the stakes are higher for women smokers, quitting today will lower your chances of getting lung cancer. However, if you should still get lung cancer, quitting smoking would greatly increase your survival rate. Be aware of changes you can make in your lifestyle and environment to help keep yourself safe from this disease.

Tina Seay is the author, webmaster of http://www.LearnSomethingToday.com a great resource website with health articles, fitness tips, recipes, financial advice and so much more.

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Asbestosis Asbestos and Types of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Asbestosis, Asbestos and Types of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
By Todd Going

The three main types of malignant mesotheliomas are epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed/biphasic. Epithelioid is the most common kind as around 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases reported are this type. Epithelioid also has the best chances of survival. It affects the internal organs and internal surfaces coverings. Sarcomatoid is a much more serious condition as it affects the secondary tissues in the body such as cartilage, muscles, bone and fat. However, this cancer is much rarer, as it only occurs 7-20% of the time. Mixed/biphasic is having both types of the cancer at once, and this makes up 20-35% of the occurrences.

Like all other types of cancer, mesothelioma is incurable. Although doctors and scientists have made a great deal of progress for diagnosing and treating these malignancies, there is still no current way to completely get rid of it.

The affected areas from mesothelioma cancer are the lining of the internal organs in the body. Because of the location of the infected cells, mesothelioma does not respond well to conventional treatments unlike most other forms of cancer. In addition, there are no blatant symptoms of the disease, so doctors cannot properly diagnose the illness until its significantly advanced. Because of these factors, the effectiveness of many conventional treatments are limited.

Even the best doctors in the world mistake early symptoms of asbestos related diseases with lesser conditions. Detection of mesothelioma relies mostly on associating proper symptoms with proper diagnosis because it is so subtle. If you have had exposure to asbestos, then you should alert your doctor of your medical history so they know what tests to look for and what tests to use.

High risk groups such as asbestos and construction workers must undergo frequent check-ups to monitor any conditions leading to mesothelioma. Because this cancer is so deadly, early diagnosis and treatment can help prolong life, but the mortality rate is usually 100% within five years.

Regardless of the type, mesothelioma is fatal. Survival rates are usually only 1-5 years after diagnosis. If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma, you may have the legal right to seek compensation for your suffering.

To learn more about mesothelioma cancer centers, cancer cell types and pericardinal mesothelioma, please visit our website. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

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Lung Cancer Prognosis

Lung Cancer Prognosis
By Steve Valentino

Prognosis deals with predicting about the way a disease spreads and its possible outcomes. Prognosis includes chances of recovery from the disease too. These are two aspects for prognosis of any disease. When a patient approaches a doctor with symptoms of lung cancer, the patient is advised to go through some tests to confirm detection. After analyzing the test results, doctors are able to ascertain the stage to which cancer has reached. Every stage has a specified course of treatment.

There are many questions that come up during and after the prognosis. The patient would first like to know if the disease is curable. Cancer detected in early stages is usually curable. The third and fourth stage cancers are a major concern. If cancer has grown to other parts of the body it almost is incurable. There is however a chance to increase life expectancy, if detected in early stages. Doctors informs their patient abut the stage cancer has reached and whether it is life threatening. The treatment is a long process with radiation or chemotherapy as part of treatment. Prognosis continues to change at every stage of treatment.

Doctors generally inform their patient about possible complications during course of treatment. They also inform patients about treatment required for such complications. Doctors also communicate the survival chances to the patient if necessary. The severity of the disease and possible time frame for treatment has to be considered by the patient.

Many of lung cancer centers have an in house support groups to help patients cope up with the disease. They also help them by counseling on their individual cases and explaining exact outcome of the disease.

It is advisable to remember that prognosis is just a prediction and can change during the course of treatment. Doctors inform patients about the stage and treatment of the disease to help them deal with it and be prepared for all eventualities.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Common Causes of Lung Cancer

Common Causes of Lung Cancer
By Paul Cris

There are a few factors that lead to lung cancer. Some of the most common reasons are:

1. Cigarette smoking: It is a very common factor. There are people who are addicted to cigarette smoking and some even smoke two packs or more per day. Out of every seven people, at least one person would develop lung cancer. Folks who smoke about one pack of cigarettes per day are prone to this threat 25 times more than non-smokers. People who casually smoke are also not free from this, as they could also develop lung cancer.Smoking damages the cells. The moment you quit smoking the damaged cells start repairing themselves and become healthy cells. So, it is advised to give up smoking altogether.

2. Secondhand smoking: it is also known as passive smoking because you tend to inhale smoke without actually holding a cigar or a pipe between your lips. The people who are exposed to this kind of smoking have 24% chances of developing lung cancer. About 3000 deaths are estimated in a year due to secondhand smoking.

Asbestos Exposure: Asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma known as the cancer in the linings of the pleural sheet. It separates the silica fibers that are trapped in the tissues of the lungs. If you have been a smoker or if you smoke even now, then the possibility of contracting this disease is high. The risk is about 50 to 90 percent more than non-smokers.

Radon Gas: radon is a gas that is colorless and odorless that is released from decayed uranium. As per the analysis done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, almost 15% of the homes are exposed to radon and every year about 15,000 to 22,000 deaths occur.

Air pollution: if you inhale polluted air for a long period of time then you are most likely to develop cancer. About 1% of the total lung cancer deaths are due to this problem.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1707.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

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Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small Cell Lung Cancer
By Tim Grimsley

Small Cell Lung Cancer is second only to breast cancer in terms of deaths. There are about 175,000 reported cases of Small Cell Lung Cancer in the U.S. each year. Of these, about 160,000 will result in the death of the patient. Small Cell Lung Cancer is so deadly because it is hard to catch in time. Small Cell Lung Cancer develops in cells that are actually so small that they do not show up on normal x-rays. By the time they are found the cancer is usually already into an advanced state.

The leading cause of Small Cell Lung Cancer is smoking. Smokers run a much higher chance of contracting Small Cell Lung Cancer as compared to non-smokers. Anyone who is a smoker should see a doctor for regular examinations.

The best chance someone has if they contract Small Cell Lung Cancer is catching it early. Those who catch the cancer in the first stage of development have up to a 40% chance of survival with the correct treatment.

There are two forms of lung cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the least dangerous of the two. About 50% of the lung cancer cases reported are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. These are treatable. Patients often see a full recovery. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer has 5 stages of development. The recovery percentages decrease the more advanced it becomes.

Small Cell Lung Cancer only has two stages: mild and severe. When it reaches the severe state it spreads very rapidly throughout the body. This is why it is much tougher to fight. By the time Small Cell Lung Cancer is detected it is usually in the severe stage. At this point most patients only have 18-20 months to live.

While surgery plays the most important part in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, chemotherapy is always the chosen treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer. In the case of limited stage SCLC, radiation therapy may also be used as the cancer is still localized to the chest area where radiation can be focused...CONTINUE

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Finding Informative Articles on Lung Cancer

Finding Informative Articles on Lung Cancer
By Morgan Hamilton

Cancer is one of the most visible issues in our modern day world. I cant help but be amazed that many individuals still smoke despite the dangers that it pose. In fact, I even saw individuals with holes in their necks that are still smoking. Anyway, most of us have probably read at least a few articles on lung cancer. This ailment is most often caused by smoking and being around those who smoke. If you are still sucking on cancer sticks, then maybe you just haven't read the right articles on lung cancer. Try to pop open your favorite search engine and punch in the word, smoking. Im sure that you will be surprised or further educated by the stuff that you will find.

I always liked hanging out at my friend's house when I was in middle school. After all, he was my closest buddy, and shooting pool with him was a blast. The problem with visiting him at home is that folks are always smoking in their house. This made the house reek so much that it was almost unbearable. They were totally imposing their bad habit on their son and two daughters. Im sure that they would have realized the consequences of their bad influence if they read some articles on lung cancer.

They were also infusing their children with second hand smoke whether they intended it or not. Their habit can cause cancer and they may also pass their vice on their children. In fact, all three children smoke now that they are adults. Parents who use cigarettes usually have children who also use cigarettes. It's like the old cocaine commercial with the father who confronts his son about using drugs, only to find out that the son learned it from watching him.

It would be a good idea to read articles on lung cancer because this illness is becoming an epidemic. If you are a smoker of any kind, then I suggest you check out some of the more recent articles on lung cancer. You can also hop on your laptop today and find out a little more about cancer and its causes. You can choose from different articles on lung cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer and other types of this disease that are available online.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Articles on Lung Cancer. Visit our site for more helpful information about Articles on Lung Cancer and other similar topics.

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Smoking And Lung Cancer The True Facts

Smoking And Lung Cancer - The True Facts
By Ben O'Rourke

The bad news is that smoking increases your risk of developing lung cancer. And I can tell you that 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of lung cancer deaths in women are linked with smoking. And lung cancer is not the only cancer related to smoking. Strong links have been shown between smoking and cancer of the mouth, the larynx, the esophagus, the bladder, the stomach and the kidneys. But cancer was the first disease that was linked to smoking, and it is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.

Here are some statistics to consider:

Men who are smokers are 23 times more likely to get cancer than men who do not smoke.

Women who are smokers are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than women who do not smoke.

You do not decrease the risk of catching lung cancer by smoking low tar, low nicotine or 'light' cigarettes.

Did you know that there are over 4000 chemicals in cigarette smoke? At least 60 of these are known carcinogens.

Carcinogens damage the DNA in cells that controls their growth. One of the characteristics of malignant cancer cells is unrestrained growth and replication of cells.

30% of cancer deaths annually is directly attributed to cigarette smoking.

87% of lung cancer deaths is caused by cigarette smoking.

Secondhand smoke accounts for about 5% of all newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer.

Secondhand smoke, or passive smoking causes about 3000 lung cancer deaths in each and every year.

If you quit smoking before the age of 35 you can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 90%.

Even quitting smoking before you reach 50 will substantially reduce your risk of developing cancer.

It is known that 7 of 8 people who contracted lung cancer will not be alive five years after their diagnosis.

The more you smoke, the more you increase your risk of actually developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer is decreasing in the United States as the number of smokers have decreased.

People try to tell you, that it is not proven that cigarette smoking actually causes lung cancer. This is true to some extent. For example, you may have a genetic predisposition to getting cancer. Not everything is known why some people develop cancer and others do not. Some people can smoke for years and do not get it, and some people get it who never smoked at all. But there is one thing you can be sure of, smoking will increase your risk of developing lung cancer. And if you do stop smoking, you will decrease your risk of developing lung cancer over time.

For More Information On Smoking And Lung Cancer:
http://healthinfodocs.com
Smoking And Lung Cancer

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Lung Cancer The Stages And Treatments Involved In Treating The Disease

Lung Cancer - The Stages And Treatments Involved In Treating The Disease
By Ben O'Rourke

Lung cancer forms in the tissues of your lungs generally in the cells which line your air passages.lung cancer is a very aggressive type of cancer and if not caught early enough can have a very poor outcome.

Generally, lung cancers originate in the lining of the bronchi. Plus it can also form in the glands below the lining of the bronchi, usually in the periphery of the lungs.

There are four recognizable stages of lung cancer. Stage one is the mildest and stage four is the most severe form. Remember though, that all stages of lung cancer are very serious.

Let us now examine the four stages:

Stage One:In this stage, the cancer is confined to the lung tissue will only. Your chance of recovering from this type of cancer is the best.

Stage Two:Here the cancer is confined to the lung tissue and lymph nodes only.

Stage Three:At this stage, the cancer is in the lung tissue and lymph nodes inside and outside the lungs.

Stage Four:When you reach this stage, the cancer has spread to the liver, bone, adrenal glands, brain, and other areas.

The state of development and the type of the cancer are very important when trying to heal the patient. There are two types: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Small Cell Lung Cancer. What follows are the likely treatments and approximate cure rates for each stage of lung cancer:

Stage One:The main treatment here involves surgery.

Cure rate is around 67%.

Stage Two:The main treatment for this type of cancer also involves surgery.

The cure rate for this type of cancer is generally in the 40 to 50% range.

Stage Three:The main treatment here includes chemotherapy and radiation.

The cure rates is generally less than 60%.

Stage Four:The main treatment involved here also includes chemotherapy and radiation. The cure rate at this stage is less than 80%.

Research is continually ongoing to study the causes of lung and other cancers, and to find new ways to prevent or even cure them.Unfortunately however, if you are diagnosed with lung cancer there is not a very good outlook attached to the outcome.

For More Information On Asbestos Lung Cancer:
Asbestos Lung Cancer

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Smoking Greatly Increases The Risk For Lung Cancer

Smoking Greatly Increases The Risk For Lung Cancer
By Riley Hendersen

Lung cancer is the most deadly of all cancers. It is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer society (ACS). More people die of this than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The ACS predicts that in 2007 there will be about 213,380 new cases. Of this number, about 160,390 people will die.

Sadly, this can be prevented if people would stop smoking. Smoking is the root cause of eight out of 10 lung cancer cases diagnosed in the United States. The risk for getting this increases if a person has been smoking more than a pack of day for several years.

The risk is lowered if the person stops smoking before lung cancer is developed. Stopping smoking will allow the tissue to slowly return to normal.

And it is not just cigarettes that increase the risk. Cigar and pipes are also likely to increase the risks. Second hand smoke is just as dangerous. If your husband or wife smokes, you have a 30 percent greater risk of developing lung cancer than a person with a husband or wife that does not smoke.

However there are other risk factors, according to the AMS. They are:

* Exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma, another type of cancer that can begin in the lining of the lungs, is also linked to asbestos.

* Arsenic, which is often found in drinking water.

* Exposure to radon, which is found in the soil. Radon is odorless, colorless and is invisible to the naked eye.

* If you smoke marijuana, you may not know that marijuana cigarettes have more tar than regular cigarettes.

* If you have had a family member who has suffered from lung cancer, you are at a higher risk for being diagnosed yourself.

* Follow your mom's advice and eat your fruits and vegetables. A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk.

Most often people do not know they have it until it has spread. Early diagnosis increases your chance of surviving. According to the ACS, the most common symptoms are:

* A cough that does not go away

* Chest pain, often made worse by deep breathing

* Hoarseness

* Weight loss and loss of appetite

* Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)

* Shortness of breath

* Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that keep coming back

* Wheezing

According to the ACS, there are two types of lung cancer. Non-small cell is the most common type, accounting for about 85 percent. Both types of usually begin on the bronchi, even though in some cases tumors may being elsewhere in the lungs.

Treatment for lung cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your personal physician can advise you on the best treatments.

For more information on cancer try visiting http://www.cancercondition.com - a website that specializes in providing cancer related information and resources including information on lung cancer.

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Stage 3 Lung Cancer

Stage 3 Lung Cancer
By Steve Valentino

Cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs could be indicative of lung cancer. These abnormal cells have a tendency to grow but do not develop into healthy tissue of lungs. Research has shown that 87% of lung cancer is related to smoking. Risks are considerably reduced if the person quits smoking.

Extent to which cancer has spread is categorized as different stages. The stage depends upon the size of tumor and areas it has spread to. Doctors decide mode of treatment based on the stage of cancer.

Localized cancer in a particular part of lung is termed as Stage 1. If it has spread to the lymph nodes at the top of the lungs, it is termed as Stage 2. Cancer spreads to the chest walls during Stage 3. There is a possibility of cancer having spread to other parts of the body such as windpipe or heart, once it reaches Stage 3. Sometimes there can be fluid collection around the lungs that contain cancer cells.

Symptoms of lung cancer can vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms are continuous cough or formation of phlegm with signs of blood in it. More pronounced are symptoms such as a hoarse voice or difficulty in swallowing. Sometimes there is a swelling at the cancerous area.

Lung cancer can be treated in many ways such as surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Doctors determine treatment depending upon the stage cancer has reached. In initial stages, the patient can be treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Usually surgery is recommended to remove malignant tumor found in stage 3-lung cancer. If this does not suffice, the doctors remove the lung to abate growth of cancer cells. Some patients are given a combination of treatments. Chemotherapy is administered before surgery for effective treatment.

It is very important to detect cancer in its earlier stages for effective treatment. As the cancer spreads, treatment becomes more complicated.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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The Truth Behind Metastatic Lung Cancer

The Truth Behind Metastatic Lung Cancer
By David Silva

Unlike other forms of lung cancer, metastatic lung cancer is the result of a cancer from another part of the body spreading to the lungs. When a malignancy develops in the body (most often in the breasts, colon, prostate, or bladder, though almost all cancers have the ability to spread) it can sometimes spread through the blood stream. When these malignancies settle into the pulmonary tissues, such as the alveoli (the final vein-like branches of the respiratory system) and the supporting tissues of the respiratory structures, the cancer has metastasized to the lungs.

Unfortunately, treating metastatic lung cancer presents significant challenges. Since the cancer has spread from another part of the body, treatment not only involves addressing the cancer in the lungs, but also the original cancer and any other areas of the body that may have also become affected. In some cases, if the primary tumor is successfully removed and if the spread of the tumor cells to the pulmonary regions is relatively localized, then the management of the cancer by surgical techniques may do the job. However, if the metastatic lung cancer is extensive, because so many areas of the body may be under the influence of the cancer, certain treatments (such as surgery, and in many cases, radiation therapy as well) may prove ineffective. Which leaves most patients with chemotherapy as the primary treatment of choice.

Chemotherapy often uses a combination of drugs (often referred to as anti-cancer drugs) to kill cancer cells, though a single drug may be used as well. While the aim of these drugs is to stop cancerous cells from multiplying, they also can damage healthy cells. This is what creates the side effects that are often associated with chemotherapy, such as the loss of hair, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. The good news, however, is that the healthy cells will generally repair themselves once the chemotherapy process is over.

Chemotherapy can provide a cure (when the cancer disappears and does not return) or help to control the cancer (to keep it from spreading and perhaps kill cancerous cells that have already spread to other areas of the body, such as is the case in metastasized lung cancer) or relieve the symptoms of the cancer (to provide the patient with a better quality of life, even in the face of a poor prognosis). How it's used in any particular situation is dependent upon the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the prognosis, and the plan as set out by the patient and his or her physician.

In addition, there are complementary and alternative treatments. These can include everything from proper nutrition to pain management, from spiritual approaches to natural herbs and supplements. Of course, such alternative plans will vary much the same as traditional treatments, depending on the location and size of the tumor, the age and general health of the patient, and other factors.

Metastatic lung cancer is certainly more challenging to overcome than other forms of lung cancer because the fight against the cancerous cells is not confined to the lungs. And while a cure is unlikely in most cases, in rare instances (usually when the primary tumor has been removed and the spread of the cancer has been limited), the lung metastases can be removed surgically, with a prognosis of long-term survival.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for information purposes only. It should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer. Such situations should always involve the expertise of a physician or health care provider.

David Silva is the webmaster for Lung Cancer Insights, a site dedicated to the dissemination of information about lung cancer, mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and their treatments.

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Protect Your Children from Lung Cancer

Protect Your Children from Lung Cancer
By Janie Jonah

In 2004 the UK alone had 153,397 deaths caused by cancer alone. Every year around 38,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in the UK alone.The total population in the UK around that time was estimated at 60.2 million people. A closer look will reveal the true extent of the disease that is slowly being tackled by research. Cancer cases are increasing by 1% per year. Cancer mainly effects people in later life, but is also seen to develop in children and adolescents. More than 75% of deaths from cancer occur in the elderly from the age of 65 and above. With such a high rate of deaths occurring in the elderly, cancer is responsible for 1 in 4 or 25% of all deaths across all age groups throughout the world. This figure is highest in adults under 65 years old, where 1 in every 3, or 33%, of all deaths are caused by cancer.

There are more than 200 different types of cancer but only four of these types were responsible for 48% of all cancer related deaths. Lung cancer was the single biggest type of cancer diagnosed which accounts for 22% of all cancer deaths in 2004. Bowel, breast and prostate cancer were responsible for between 11% and 8% of other cancer deaths. Why is the rate of lung cancer sufferers so high? Simply because of the number of people who smoke cigarettes. Around 80% of all lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

Cutting down on smoking or stopping all together would greatly reduce the number of cancer deaths. World-wide, over 1.3 million cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year. Prolonged smoking is responsible for the greatest number of lung related cancer deaths, with it striking most commonly among those aged 65 years and over. It is very seldom diagnosed in those under 40. Scotland has the highest rate of lung cancer sufferers in the UK. Scotland has a history of high smoking and Scottish men and women have among the highest rates of cancer in the world. Why are the rates so high in Scotland? Exposure to industrial carcinogens and poor diet are believed to contribute to the high rate of sufferers. Asbestos exposure is responsible for around 6% of male lung cancer cases diagnosed. If we look at the whole world, the highest rates of lung cancer in the world are found to be in men in eastern Europe as well as men in North America. The pattern is similar for women with the highest number of sufferers occurring in Denmark, Hungary and Iceland.

In the US, incidences of lung cancer are higher in the black population for men and women while contrastingly, Hispanics and Asians have lower number of cases than the white population.

Children are not immune to smoking with nearly 1 in 4 smoking by the age of 15. How life-time smoking habits are developed occurs in adolescent years, and by 19 they are firmly addicted to smoking. There is evidence that points to the fact that how early on in life someone begins smoking has more of an impact on the likelihood of them going on to develop lung cancer. So the young the habit is formed, the greater the risk of lung cancer. This factor is more prominent than the quantity or length a person smokes from then on after developing the habit or becoming addicted to nicotine.

Some factors that cause children to smoke are having a parent that is a smoker or siblings or friends. Being exposed to cigarette advertising is also a factor that leads children to smoke. Passive smoking by someone, also puts them at risk of developing lung cancer. It can also lead to respiratory disease in children. Children growing up with parents that smoke are also at risk of asthma, middle-ear infections and cot deaths.

The level of risk in the UK becomes more alarming when you take into account the fact that one in every three children grow up in a household with at least one parent that smokes. Smokers that consume up to 14 cigarettes a day are eight times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Alarmingly, smokers consuming 25 or more a day are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer.

For the sake of your children, if not for your health, give up smoking and you will have more appreciation for life in your later years, with improved personal health and children free from the risk of respiratory diseases that may bring to an early end a wonderful life. If not for yourself, for the sake of your children.

Author: Janie Jonah
Canada Pharmacy - PerfectDrugRx

(c) 2006, PerfectDrugRx. All rights in all media reserved. Reprints must includebyline, contact information and copyright.

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Can Lung Cancer Be Prevented?

Can Lung Cancer Be Prevented?
By Jon Stout

Lung cancer is the most fatal form of cancer in the US, and other developed countries, today. And the fact is, that most of the cancer treatments that work well on other forms of cancer often dont work well on lung cancer. Add to that the fact that lung cancer is often not diagnosed until it is far advanced, and its easy to understand why this disease is so often fatal.

So, preventing lung cancer is even more important than preventing many other types of cancer simply because the prognosis is often so poor. And, for most victims of this disease, it is entirely preventable simply by not smoking. Eight out of ten people diagnosed with lung cancer each year are smokers.

Six out of ten people who are diagnosed with lung cancer will die within one year. Between seven and eight will die within two years. Treatments are improving, and today there are some long term lung cancer survivors. But, as we focus on better treatments, we cannot lose focus on prevention.

Of course the simplest way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke. But, there are some other things you can do to help reduce your risk of lung cancer, whether or not you smoke.

The first is to eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. Some studies have shown that people who eat a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables have a higher risk of lung cancer than those whose diet offers a wide variety of such foods.

In addition to not smoking, its important to stay away from others who smoke. Secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking yourself. The American Cancer Society reports that non-smoking spouses of smokers are 30% more likely to get lung cancer than spouses of non-smokers. In addition, exposure to asbestos, arsenic and radon increase your risk of lung cancer.

Add Green Tea to Your Diet

Another little known trick for helping protect your body from many types of disease, including many forms of cancer, is drinking green tea. Green tea has been shown in many studies to be effective at protecting health and preventing disease. This is because green tea is filled with anti-oxidants some of the most powerful available.

Anti-oxidants are very effective at combating free radicals that are created in our bodies as we process food. The free radicals produced by our bodies damage our cells and our DNA, and eventually lead to disease if we dont combat them. Anti-oxidants, however, combat these free radicals before they can cause damage. If were getting our fair share of anti-oxidants each day, were keeping these free radicals under control.

Above I mentioned that scientists believe that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent lung cancer. This is also likely due to the fact that fresh fruits and vegetables are good anti-oxidant sources. Some vegetables and fruits are better than others, so for optimum benefit, be sure to include some of the most powerful in your diet on a regular basis.

The best food sources of anti-oxidants include:

Artichokes
Asparagus
Red Beans
Blueberries
Pomegranates
Dark Chocolate
Tomatoes

And, green tea. One of the most important anti-oxidants is EGCG, which is found in abundance in the Camilla sinensis (tea tree) plant. Green tea is the best form of this anti-oxidant because its not fermented during processing. Black tea is fermented, which changes some of its anti-oxidant compounds. Black tea is still healthy, but your best anti-oxidant source is green tea.

One study recently reported by the UK Tea Council shines light on green teas ability to prevent lung cancer. In particular, this study showed that green tea appears to have two major functions that prevent cancer.

Green tea appears to cause apoptosis of abnormal cells. Apoptosis is the orderly process of cell death. Cell death due to apoptosis is good, because it is a process of killing off damaged or unneeded cells. Green tea seems to help the body rid itself of potentially harmful cells by inducing the process of apoptosis.

Green tea also seems to help prevent lung cancer by inhibiting the growth of the abnormal lung cells. So, green tea keeps the cells from growing and spreading until the apoptosis can kills the cells off. These two powers help to rid the body of abnormal cells before they can replicate and cause a problem.

Of course, more research is needed to pinpoint exactly how green tea works, and how we can use it best to prevent lung cancer and many other diseases. However, in the mean time, theres no reason not to make green tea part of your daily life.

Green tea is an absolutely safe beverage to consume. It has no side effects, and even those who are caffeine sensitive can usually tolerate green tea quite well, because its caffeine content is very low compared to coffee and sodas. So, do something good for yourself drink some green tea!

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.

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Three Forms Of Lung Surgery And What They Mean

Three Forms Of Lung Surgery, And What They Mean
By James Woodley

There are three major forms of lung surgery, each with their own terminology. Understanding the different types of lung surgery may make you more comfortable about your own lung surgery, and will allow you to discuss procedures and options more easily with your doctor. The three main types of lung surgery are a wedge resection, also referred to as a segmentectomy; a lobectomy; and a pneumonectomy. The remainder of this article will examine each of the three types of lung surgery in detail; when each one might be necessary and the different risks associated with each one.

The first procedure is a wedge resection, or a segmentectomy. This is traditionally the least invasive and easiest surgery. In this lung surgery, a small section, or wedge, is removed from the lung. This procedure is minimally invasive, and in some cases, segmentectomies may be performed with an endoscope, as part of a thoracoscopy. This procedure, however, is not common, and open surgery is required most of the time. Unfortunately, the chance of recurrence in cancer is higher when this form of lung surgery is used. However, because only a small section of the lobe is removed, this may be the best surgery if the decrease in lung function that accompanies a lobectomy or pneumonectomy would have serious health risks or consequences.

The lobectomy is the second method, and the most common of the three. In cases where a pneumonectomy is not required and segmentectomy is not necessary, a lobectomy is your best option for lung surgery. In this procedure, one lobe of the lung is removed. There are three lobes in your right lung and two in your left, so this procedure does not usually drastically limit lung performance. Plus, removing the entire lobe ensures that all of the cancer is removed. As a result, this procedure has a much lower rate of recurring cancer than the segmentectomy. And the surgery itself is only minimally more invasive than the segmentectomy.

Finally, a pneumonectomy consists of removing the entire lung, usually if the cancer has been undetected too long and has spread to more than one lobe. This lung surgery is generally a last resort because of the decrease in lung perfomance which accompanies it. Because it does reduce lung function so much, this form of lung surgery is rarely considered. When necessary, however, it is an option. The human body can function, albeit not as well, with only one lung, and when the cancer has spread to more than one lobe, the other forms of surgery simply will not be effective. Your doctor may recommend non-surgical procedures for such advanced cancer, if available.

James Woodley is the writer for the website http://surgery.webinfo-site.com Please visit for information on all things concerned with Three Forms of Lung Surgery, and What They Mean

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Lung Cancer Prevention

Lung Cancer Prevention
By Steve Valentino

Circumstances and life style factors that increase a person?s chances of developing a disease are known as risk factors. On the contrary things that prevent disease from developing are called protective factors. Prevention involves increasing protective factors and decreases risk factors. There are various risk factors for lung cancer. Smoking is considered to be a factor that adds to the risk of lung cancer. The risk is also increased for passive smokers who are exposed to tobacco smoke indirectly.

It is possible to prevent lung cancer if it is not hereditary. In case there is history of lung cancer in the family, it may not be possible to totally eliminate chances of developing the disease. It is however possible to reduce chances by following an active lifestyle. Regular exercise lowers risks. Additionally, chances of developing lung cancer may reduce if a person consumes low fat diet that is high in fiber content.

Treatment of cancer is a painful process for the patient. Treatment ranges from radiotherapy, chemotherapy to surgery. The course of treatment depends upon the stage of disease. Sometimes a combination of treatment procedures may have to be administered simultaneously. Cancer in the third and fourth stage qualifies the extent of life span. Lung cancer treatment is not a guarantee that the disease will not recur. Surgery, in case of malignant tumors spreading to other parts of the body becomes quite difficult. Such delicate and complicated surgery often poses a risk to heart and windpipe.

Prevention is always better than cure. People may take advice and suggestions from their own doctor about risk factors faced by them. It is also necessary for people to be aware of various symptoms of lung cancer. Timely action can be taken to abate its development. There is plenty of information available online about preventive measures. Cancer institutes also organize seminars to educate on importance of prevention of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Stop Smoking Cut Your Risk of Lung Cancer

Stop Smoking - Cut Your Risk of Lung Cancer
By Samantha Kay

Most people know that smoking causes lung caner. They are also aware their smoke is bad for the health of their family, friends, or anyone else who comes in contact with the cigarette smoke. However, these people say they just can't stop smoking. It isn't easy.

Along with all of the cancer causing ingredients of cigarette smoke, one of the main ingredients of cigarette smoke is highly addictive. If you want to quit smoking but just can't seem to, here are some statistics that might help you put down your smokes for good. Also included are some suggestions to help you stop smoking.

First, smoking is responsible for eighty percent of lung cancer deaths in women while ninety percent of men who die of lung cancer were smokers or were exposed to second hand smoke. Next time you light up around your children, think about these statistics. You are not only damaging your health, you are also damaging their health.

In a recent study lead by Stephen S. Hecht, a professor at the University of Missouri, the main cancer causing ingredient of cigarette smoke was found in the urine of infants who lived with parents who smoked. Infants who lived with non-smoking parents did not have this chemical in their urine. This new information is in addition to the knowledge that children of smokers are more prone to ear and lung infections than those of non-smokers.

Of the more than 4,500 chemicals that make up cigarette smoke 60 of them are known to be cancer causing. If a place of business was emitting this many cancer causing agents, the business would be shut down until it could clean up its emissions and protect its workers from these dangerous chemicals. Yet, cigarettes are freely sold and openly smoked. Luckily for non-smokers, many public places are becoming aware of the dangers of cigarette smoke and are declaring themselves to be smoke free.

Even if you have smoked all of your life, it doesn't make since to assume it's too late to quit now. Researchers have found that those who smoke increase their risk of developing cancer with the number of years they have smoked and the number of cigarettes they smoke each day. However, they have also found that if any given smoker stops smoking, their risk of developing lung cancer will decreases.

If you do want to stop smoking, smoking cessation products have improved in the last several years. You can buy nicotine patches or gum specially designed to help ease you gradually off of smoking and make the transition easier. There is also a new prescription smoking cessation medication that seems to be very promising. If you want to quit smoking and be healthier, talk to your doctor about which options are best for you.

It is well known that cigarettes are not good for you. They are also not good for your family or those who inhale your smoke. While cigarettes are addictive, stopping smoking is worth the effort as it can cut your risk of developing lung cancer. If you want to quit, there is help. A wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to help you stop smoking.

For more information on cancer try visiting http://www.cancercondition.com - a website that specializes in providing cancer related information and resources including information on lung cancer.

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Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos Lung Cancer
By Steve Valentino

People with a history of asbestos exposure are about seven times more likely to die from lung cancer than those who are unexposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is associated with all types of lung cancer, and with a rare type of cancer called malignant mesothelioma, which affects the tissue lining the lungs called the pleura. The time between exposure and development of cancer ranges from 15 to 30 years. This gap between exposure and disease may delay diagnosis until the lung cancer is advanced and less amenable to treatment. If someone with asbestos exposure also smokes, the risk of getting lung cancer increases substantially.

Until the mid-20th century, asbestos was widely used in construction and to manufacture insulation and fire retardant materials. As knowledge of the health risks associated with asbestos fiber inhalation or ingestion increased, asbestos became less commonly used. While asbestos is still present in many public buildings and in older homes, it is generally thought to be less harmful to leave it in place than to remove it, as doing so may release asbestos fibers into the air. Some industries continued to use asbestos after its risks became known, and are facing lawsuits from former employees.

The symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer are similar to those of lung cancer in general. These include breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, coughing up of blood, a new cough or a persistent cough, or hoarseness. A diagnosis is usually made using a combination of physical examination, x-rays, CT scans, lung tissue biopsies, and lung function tests. Recent research suggests that levels of a blood protein, osteopontin, rise in people with malignant mesothelioma. Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer and on the stage or extent of spread when it is diagnosed; overall five-year survival rates are below 20 percent.

Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

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Get Tested and Avoid Lung Cancer

Get Tested and Avoid Lung Cancer
By Erol Orderland

Smoking is BAD! Is there still a living soul that doesn't know and understand this? There can't be. The media won't let such a thing happen. Just take a gander at all the anti-smoking commercials aired daily. If they don't get the point across, nothing will. As we all know, smoking leads to lung cancer. It's not exclusively for those with poor genetics or smokers over the age of 65. It can apply to anyone who lights up regularly. One measly cigarette will taint your lungs for a full month. Imagine what a pack a day will do to them. We're talking some serious damage here. So, if you're still on the fence about smoking, I think it's time for a few recent articles on lung cancer.

A surprising finding is that if your parents smoked in the house during your childhood and adolescence, your risk of lung cancer is double as an adult even if you yourself don't smoke. Parents, think again lighting up your next cigarette! This year, lung cancer will kill about 163,500 Americans and remains the number one cause of cancer deaths taking more lives than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

More than one billion people worldwide are smokers even though nine out of ten lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. By the year 2020 it's estimated that as many as ten million people a year will die of smoking related diseases unless radical action is taken to curb the advance of the mega-bucks tobacco industry into Third World countries. About three quarters of those ten million deaths will be in developing nations.

I love to read. Not just novels and the Sunday paper. I mean I really like to read and learn about new things. It's refreshing and I need to know what's happening in the world today. If it's not articles on lung cancer, its break-throughs regarding heart disease or prostate enlargement.

I learned a little bit about how diet affects lung cancer. An apple a day may keep lung cancer away. A Finnish study suggests that apples not only keep doctors away, but provide protection for the lungs as well. This study found that people who ate the most apples were 58 % less likely to develop lung cancer. Other studies suggest that lung cancer risk is lower among smokers and non smokers who ate at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily.

It's always prudent to add new data to the brain banks. This way you don't wander through life like a naive, uninformed dolt. You prevent things before they occur, and you seek the newest medications upon the detection of a health affliction. With some health issues, it's pretty cut and dry. One would think that common sense would overrule, but apparently it doesn't. If it did, folks wouldn't still be smoking like chimneys. Some individuals just need a scare before they can get on the smoke-free bandwagon. If current articles on lung cancer won't do the trick, maybe respiratory problems will.

Make sure you get tested for lung cancer. In approximately 25% of people with lung cancer, there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during screening or a routine physical examination. However, in three-quarters of lung cancer patients there are warning symptoms and signs that can alert the patient or their physician.

One of the most amusing things I've ever seen is a person smoking through the hole cut out of their throat. Now that's bright! Obviously some people have a horrible time kicking the habit. However, there is irrefutable evidence linking smoking to serious health afflictions. Any articles on lung cancer, asthma and Bronchitis can inform you of this. We need to work toward a smoke-free environment, because all the rest of us are being assaulted by the second-hand stuff. That's not right! Kick the habit before it kicks you off the primordial coil.

Erol Orderland writes about various Aging and Disease from his home in the Netherlands. Erol has had a keen interest in health and disease after being diagnosed with High Blood Pressure.

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Do You Know These Things About Lung Cancer?

Do You Know These Things About Lung Cancer?
By Riley Hendersen

Our lung is one of the main motors of our body. Yet, often it is not given due attention and care, and it remains in the background when it comes to issues of the hearth or brain.

The main function of our lung is to exchange the gases between the air we breathe and our blood. It is through our lung that carbon dioxide is emptied from our body and oxygen is transported to our blood vessels. It is not widely known that the two sides of our lung are not identical to each other. The right lung has three lobes, whereas the left lung has two lobes, and an additional portion which is called the lingula which is like the middle lobe.

Lung cancer is the leading type of cancer causing death among men and women of the world. It is only since the 1930s that cases of lung cancer started to increase. This is mainly due to tobacco consumption, and the much disputed pollution and smog around the globe. 90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking. Recently, governments and states around the globe have raised the price of tobacco dramatically, having some significant effect on societies in cutting down on tobacco smoking.

Some people mistakenly believe that pipe and cigar smoking do not have such a harmful effect on the lungs as cigarettes. Cigar and pipe smokers are at 5% higher risk to die of lung cancer than non-smokers. This ratio is 25% for people smoking cigarettes.

Passive smokers, i.e., smokers who do not smoke themselves but stay in an environment where others smoke, and inhale smoke, are at 24% higher risk of developing cancer (only 1% less than a cigarette smoker.)

Other danger factors in developing cancer are asbestos fibres, radon gas, familial predispositions (genetic), and other lung diseases, along with air pollution.

Lung cancers are categorized into two types. Small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. This distinction is based on the appearance of the cells under microscopic examination and the appearance of tumor cells. The two types of cancers spread and grow in different ways, thus the distinction.

Small cell cancer is the most aggressive and rapidly growing type of cancers, and it makes up 20% of related cancers. It tends to grow first in the larger breathing tubes and grows very fast spreading around a large area. In its initial stage, it is more sensitive to chemotherapy, but it often bears worse prognosis. This type of cancer is mainly related with smoking.

On the other hand, for non-small cell lung cancer, the prognosis is poor. Patients treated with chemotherapy live generally only three months longer than those who do not get treatment. This type is divided into further two types, one starting from the larger breathing tubes but spreading around slower. This means that the size of these tumors varies when diagnosed. 50-60% of non-small cell cancer starts growing around the gas-exchanging surface of the lung. This form is most common for smokers, and along these there are female non-smokers who are mainly affected.

Our lung is a very sensitive organ, it is often the landing place for metastasis (when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor) of cancer originating from other parts of the body. In this case, we name it by the originating part of the body, for example breast cancer.

Cancer is a sly disease. Women can develop ovary cancer from the originating stomach cancer. It strikes the most innocent, the best sportsman, the firmest vegetarian, anyone without mercy. If it takes your lungs, it takes your breath. Do not give it a chance.

For more information on cancer try visiting http://www.cancercondition.com - a website that specializes in providing cancer related information and resources including information on lung cancer.

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Understanding The Viciousness of Lung Cancer

Understanding The Viciousness of Lung Cancer
By David Silva

Lung cancer is the result of malignant cells forming in the tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining the air passages. The cells in our bodies are constantly dividing and reproducing. Usually, there's an orderly pattern to this reproduction as cells develop and specialize to meet particular needs. Occasionally, however, a cell becomes damaged. There's a mutation in its DNA, and rather than maturing and dying as is normal, it continues to reproduce unchecked. In essence, this is cancer uncontrolled reproduction and growth of abnormal cells in the body.

Most lung cancers are believed to start in the epithelial lining of the lungs the linings of the large and small airways that perform the task of extracting oxygen from the air. Because of this, lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic carcinoma cancer arising from the bronchia. A smaller percentage of lung cancers begin in the pleura the thin tissue sac that surrounds the lungs. These cancers are called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Cancer of the lungs is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While it may take a period of years to develop, the cancer often goes undetected until late in the process. In addition, it tends to metastasize (migrate to other parts of the body) early, which leaves fewer opportunities to fight the mutated cells with surgery or radiation. Once the lung cancer does metastasize, it quickly spreads to the most vulnerable and important organs of the body, particularly the adrenal glands, the liver, the brain and the bones.

There are two primary forms of lung cancer Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Small Cell Lung Cancer is less common, though far more deadly. It's directly linked to cigarette smoking less than 1% of SCLC is diagnosed in non-smokers. It's also extremely aggressive and fast-moving, metastasizing rapidly to other organs, and often undiscovered until it's already widespread.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, on the other hand, is far more common, accounting for nearly 80% of all diagnosed lung cancers. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, generally characterized by the size, shape, and chemical composition of the cells that form the cancer:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (also referred to as Epidermoid Carcinoma): accounts for around 25% - 30% of all lung cancers, and is associated with a history of smoking. This cancer is nearly always found in the central chest area, near the bronchus.

Adenocarcinoma (also referred to as Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma): accounts for around 40% of all lung cancers, and is found in the external region of the lung. Treatment for this form of lung cancer often leads to a more successful outcome than that of other lung cancers.

Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma: accounting for only 10% - 15% of lung cancers, this form may show up in any area of the lung. It tends to spread quickly, and often results in a poor prognosis.

Its also possible for lung cancer to be a combination of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer types.

There are other, less common types of lung cancer. For instance, bronchial carcinoids are small tumors often found in people under 40 years of age. They tend to grow slowly, and be amenable to treatment. Carcinoid tumors account for approximately 5% of lung tumors. Some are non-cancerous. The others are generally slow-growing and can be successfully treated with surgery.

Finally, some cancers discovered in the lungs arent lung cancers at all. Since the lungs are prone to metastatic cancers from other sites, its not uncommon for tumors from other primary cancers to find their way to the lungs. When this occurs, the tumors are often discovered in the peripheral tissues of the lungs rather than in the central tissues.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for information purposes only. It should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer. Such situations should always involve the expertise of a physician or health care provider.

David Silva is the webmaster for Lung Cancer Insights, a site dedicated to the dissemination of information about lung cancer, mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and their treatments.

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The Lung Cancer Epidemic

The Lung Cancer Epidemic
By Scott William

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the American population and the western world. Lung cancer use to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in American men only, but since 1988, women have caught up with men and since then lung cancer is leading cause of cancer deaths in women as well. Well over 170,000 cases of lung cancers are diagnosed in the United States each year. Very few fortunate ones get cured from this miserable disease. About 157,000 people die as the direct result of lung cancer.

The mortality related to lung cancer exceeds the combined mortality rates of second (breast cancer), third (prostate cancer), and fourth (colon cancer) leading causes of cancer death. How would we react if every day a Boing 747 crashes and all the passengers die? Thats what happens with lung cancer. About 430 people die every day from lung cancer.

Despite the high rates of cancer deaths, lung cancer receives much less attention compared to other cancers, especially breast cancer. Lung cancer research receives much less funding, and general public takes much less interest in lung cancer. Even though lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women, very little research and scientific progress occurs in the field of lung cancer.

It is estimated that about $1,723 per cancer deaths is spent on lung cancer research where as the corresponding figures for breast cancer ($13,953), prostate cancer ($10,318) and colorectal cancer (4,618) are much higher. It is interesting to note that the department of defense funds breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer but not lung cancer.

Part of the problem associated with lung cancer research funding is the fact that, there are not many lung cancer survivors to lobby for the cause of lung cancer. High mortality rates associated with lung cancer leaves very few survivors to fight for their cause, and even those fortunate survivors are not in very good health, since most of these survivors are patients who had undergone extensive lung resection.

There is also a stigma associated with lung cancer. Unlike many other types of cancers risk of lung cancer is very much linked with smoking. Many who deal with lung cancer patients and the patient himself think that the disease is the direct result of misbehavior. This fills a feeling of guilt on the lung cancer patients who tend to blame themselves. Also this acts against any fund-raising program aimed at lung cancer where people unconsciously feel that lung cancer is a disease that these patients brought on themselves.

More funding and research are urgently needed for lung cancer. We all have to join our hands to fight this miserable enemy of the human species.

Copyright Medicineworld.org 2006

Scott William is the webmaster for Medicineworld.org a site dedicated to medical information. For more information and for Symptoms and signs of lung cancer please visit author's website.

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