Lung Cancer – Risks For Women
Nowadays, lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. In fact, the mortality rate of females suffering from this disease is higher than that of patients affected by breast or uterine cancer.
Women are constantly exposed to toxic substances in the environment and, unfortunately, the number of smokers has increased significantly in recent years. Statistics show that a woman who has been a smoker for more than ten years has a 50% higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Due to tobacco, the lungs deteriorate prematurely, increasing the risk of developing serious respiratory diseases. Although many people do not realize this, lung cancer is one of the most common causes of death among both men and women.
Lung cancer is so dangerous because many people do not know the symptoms of this disease and the risk factors that facilitate its development.
Lung cancer in women
The American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer conducted a very interesting study. According to him, in the case of developed countries, lung cancer causes the death of more women than any other form of cancer.
The researchers who conducted the study claim that the main cause of this phenomenon is the increase in the number of smokers. The “tobacco epidemic” (as specialists call it) has spread widely, and women adopt this harmful habit more often than men.
It is estimated that about 80% of lung cancer cases among women are caused by smoking. The other cases are the consequence of other lung diseases, exposure to toxins and hereditary factors.
How does lung cancer develop?
The lungs are the respiratory organs responsible for supplying the body with oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. Lung cancer develops when certain factors stimulate the overproduction of cells in this organ.
Lung cancer can spread to other organs and tissues through a process called metastasis. However, neoplasms that can be triggered in the lungs due to a tumor that has appeared in another region of the body are not considered to be lung cancer.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
One of the main reasons why the mortality rate is high is that the early symptoms of the disease are not easy to identify. Initially, lung cancer may manifest as a common respiratory infection.
Patients usually mask the initial alarm signals with over-the-counter medications. The symptoms become clearer as the disease progresses. However, doctors may have difficulty identifying lung cancer even in its more advanced stages.
The longer it takes from the onset of the disease to diagnosis, the higher the patient’s risk of dying. For this reason, it is essential to know the symptoms of this disease. This is the only way you will know when to go to the doctor. Among other things, lung cancer can cause:
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Cough or sore throat
- Sudden weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Whistling or chest pain
- Phlegm or secretions
- Coughing up blood
- Bone pain
- Obstruction of the superior vena cava
- Frequent episodes of fever and pneumonia
The symptoms of lung cancer vary depending on the patient’s body and the stage of the disease. Some patients have no symptoms. The disease is diagnosed by lung x-rays performed for other reasons.
How can you prevent lung cancer?
Although there is no 100% effective way to prevent lung cancer, certain healthy habits can reduce our risk of getting sick. Most smokers already know the risks associated with this addiction. It is up to them to decide whether or not to protect their health.
The most important step we can take to avoid lung cancer is to stop smoking. After 10-15 years of giving up this habit, we will have the same risk of developing lung cancer as a non-smoker.
Other measures we can take is to exercise and adopt a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Take care of yourself if you want to be healthy!
