LUNG CANCER IS NOT JUST CAUSED BY SMOKING

If you or someone you know receives a lung cancer diagnosis, please know it may not be caused by smoking. Sometimes people think someone with lung cancer should have known better than to smoke cigarettes, etc., but that may not be the reason for the cancer. Yes, smoking may be the cause but there are several other causes to be considered. Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke and other chemicals. Unfortunately, some just have a higher risk for cancer due to heredity. A higher risk for cancer can be passed down from a family member. There are several articles on this blog about cancer causes, treatments, diet for someone with cancer, etc. If you or someone you know, has been diagnosed, type cancer in the search bar for other posts.

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APPLES AND LUNG CANCER

A study in Finland several years ago found that persons who ate the most flavonoids (powerful antioxidants) had a 46% lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who ate the least.  Wondering about a good, tasty food full of flavonoids that tastes good? Apples are high in antioxidants and should be a part of your diet. The old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," is more than just a saying.

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TYPES OF LUNG CANCER

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, ask the doctor which type of cancer you have. There are two main types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (your doctor may use the tern NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. NSCLC is the most common and it has subtypes, listed below.

• Adenocarcinoma starts in cells that make mucus. It is usually found in the outer parts of the lungs, often before it has spread to other parts of the body. This is the most common subtype.
• Squamous cell carcinoma starts in cells that line the airways. It is usually found in the middle of the lung by the bronchi.
• Large cell carcinoma can form in any part of the lung. It is usually the one to grow most quickly.

Again, I want to stress the importance of early detection. Head to the doctor at the first signs of trouble.

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HOW (LUNG) CANCER SPREADS

Most cancers spread in basically the same way, but we are currently talking about lung cancer. Let me stress that with any cancer early detection is the key to treatment and survival. Do not put off going to the doctor because it might be cancer! If it is cancer, the sooner you know the better your chances of survival. I am a survivor of both breast and colon cancers. Both times my life was saved by early detection.

The following describes in simple terms how the cancer spreads. This will explain the reason early detection is so important.

• Cancer cells grow into nearby tissue.
• Cancer cells break off from your original (lung) tumor and get into your bloodstream or lymph vessels.

Lymph vessels are like blood vessels, but instead of blood they carry lymph fluid which is an important part of the immune system. Cancer cells can spread through your lymph vessels and bloodstream to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are organs that create and store cells to fight infection. Sometimes this takes place before there are symptoms or the cancer can be seen on an exray.

Again, early detection is very important, as you can see by the above. If you have the slightest suspicion, see your doctor. If there is no cancer, you will feel relieved and your doctor will be happy for you.

WHAT IS LUNG CANCER?

 

The answer to the title question is simple. Lung cancer is cancer in the lungs. But you may wonder just what is happening in the lungs to develop lung cancer. Since lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the United States and cancer is the number two cause of deaths in the United States, I thought to make a few posts about the lungs and lung cancer. We will start with the basics; lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control.

Normally, new cells grow and divide as the body needs them but die when they are old or damaged. But if you have lung cancer, new cells form when your body doesn't need them. These extra cells build up and form into a tumor.  That is a very basic fact as I am not a medical person to go into further detail. 

Many wonder what causes lung cancer, and there are many reasons. Most think those who have lung cancer developed it because of smoking. That is a leading reason, but not the only one. Other causes are exposure to radon gas, secondhand smoke or other chemicals. One can also inherit a higher risk of cancer.

Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, but it is not the only one.

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LUNG CANCER

 Do you know someone who has or has died of lung cancer? My father-in-law passed away several years ago from lung cancer. He was a heavy smoker for many years and that probably paid a big part in his cancer. However, nonsmokers also develop lung cancer. So what causes lung cancer? Below are a few facts about lung cancer.

Lung cancer happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control and form tumors.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is serious, but there are many treatments available today. Also, research is ongoing into new treatments for this disease.

One of the most important things about lung cancer is that if you even slightly suspect lung cancer in yourself, a loved one or a friend, see a doctor immediately. It might not be cancer, which would be a big relief. It if is cancer, it is important to get an early diagnosis and start treatments.

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A CARROT A DAY TO LOWER CANCER RISKS

We've all heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."  But have you ever heard you should eat a carrot a day?  Actually, a carrot a day is a very good idea.  Studies show that a carrot a day could cut lung cancer risk in half, probably due to their high vitamin A content which is vital to promoting lung health.  Carrots are also rich in beta-carotene which is associated with preventing not only lung cancer but also cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder, prostate, and breasts.  Find a way to work more carrots into your diet to reduce your cancer risks.

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BENEFITS OF COLORFUL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

There is more to colorful fruits and vegetables than just making your plate look pretty!  Karen Ansel, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, states that you get a better mix of nutrients by eating produce in a variety of shades thanks to the unique combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and natural chemicals behind the bright colors.  Research proves these colorful inducing compounds help to ward off disease, slow the aging process, and boost overall general health.  A few examples of some of these benefits are listed below:

Reds - a handful of cherries, fresh or dried, eaten an hour before bedtime can increase your level of melatonin helping you to fall asleep quicker and rest better.

• The lycopene in tomatoes gives them their red shade and guards against cancer.  Cooking increases the lycopene in tomatoes.
• Red bell peppers are full of lutein, a compound that can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and improve vision. Red bell peppers are very high in vitamin C. Higher than citrus fruits.
• Yellows - Corn, and this is probably a surprise, is rich in beta-cryptoxanthin. People who eat foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin regularly reduce their risk of lung cancer by 27%.
• Bananas - Rich in potassium, bananas help to stave off cardiovascular disease and also help to regulate blood pressure.
• Pineapple - Just one cup of pineapple gives you 128% of the recommended daily allowance of manganese.  Manganese is an essential nutrient that takes cancer-causing free radicals out of cells.
• Remember this is not a complete list, just a partial list to show how important these colorful fruits and vegetables are to our diets.  Tomorrow's post will discuss other colors.

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APPLES AND LUNG CANCER

A study in Finland several years ago found that persons who ate the most flavonoids (powerful antioxidants) had a 46% lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who ate the least.  Wondering about a good tasty food full of flavonoids that tastes good? Apples are high in antioxidants and should be a part of your diet. The old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," is more than just a saying.

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