Early Detection and Prevention of Lung Cancer

Most of times Lung cancer symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced and, moreover few of times patient can be detected for lung cancer in asymptotic stage in incidental findings on health check-ups. Still, there are some common signs and symptoms which can hint towards lung cancer.

• Persistent coughing
• Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Recurring lung infections (pneumonia or bronchitis)
• Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing

Atypical symptoms which may not be specific to lung cancer but symptoms related to other body organs however they are due to spread of disease

• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness of voice 
• Swelling in the face, arms, or neck
• Pain in the bones (back, ribs, or hips)
• Neurological symptoms (headaches, seizures, or confusion)
• 8. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Other symptoms which can be linked with disease progression can be

• Pleural effusion (fluid build-up in the chest)
• Pericardial effusion (fluid build-up up around heart)
• ⁠symptoms or X-ray findings showing signs of lung collapse 
• ⁠worsening of Pre-existing symptoms can also hint towards lung cancer

Problem happens when people tends to ignore the symptoms or misdiagnosis happens. As similar symptoms sometimes are much confusing and can be seen in with any infection like tb or cancer might be co-existing with tb so it is important to achieve proper diagnosis by proper diagnostic tests like biopsy which can help in differentiating between diseases and pin pointing the right diagnosis.

Also, one has to be aware about coexisting lung disease like COPD, asthma, ILD, heart disease which may also co-exist with the lung cancer and sometimes lung symptoms may not be much but patient gets diagnosed incidentally while management of underlying problem is continued so a thorough assessment can help in right diagnosis moreover control of symptoms of underlying disease can help in better toleration of medicine and improves the quality of life to an extent

Proactive Steps You Can Take Today to Lower Your Risk of Lung Cancer

In a nutshell Risk of lung cancer can be reduced by lifestyle changes, avoiding harmful substances, and regular health check-ups.

1. Quit smoking: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk.

2. Avoid second-hand and third hand smoke: Limit the exposure to passive smoke exposure as it also increases lung cancer risk.

3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower your risk and improve the lung functions.

4. Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoiding junk foods and keeping food habits to anti-oxidant rich diet and plenty of water can strengthen immune system and also risk of cancer

5. Avoid Harmful Substances:

- Occupational exposure: check your office environment for presence of any harmful and cancer-causing substances and avoid /take necessary precautions like masks and personal protective equipment 

- Asbestos: Avoid asbestos exposure, especially in workplaces

- Air pollution: Minimize outdoor activities during high air pollution days.

Regular Health Check-Ups and screening and low dose CT can be done on yearly basis in people with high risk situation/ significant smoking history. Some patients also are worried that if post Covid status may cause lung cancer situation however as of now researches and trends are not favouring such hypothesis and there is no increase in lung cancer incidences in post covid patients.

However, annual screening and check-up can be suggested for heavy smoker which may help to detect lung cancer early and hence the management of it. As earlier stages cancer can be cured completely with best possible therapies like surgery and other advanced modalities. As stage progresses it becomes difficult to treat situations and we may miss the treatment window of patients.

Cancer is tiring disease to manage so once a cancer is diagnosed patient gets exhausted physically financially and also mentally. So, if any patients get a diagnosis of lung cancer always discuss with your doctors the plan of diagnosis and treatment and one has to stay mentally strong needless to say role of yoga pranayam and meditation can help your body to handle the situation in better way and continuing exercise can help in keeping the body to be moving in a positive way and accepting the treatment challenges.

Early diagnosis helps in faster recovery and best curative rates.