5 things you should know about sun safety
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According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), lung cancer is one of the top 3 cancers affecting people, particularly men, globally. These are the facts.
Cancer develops when there is uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the body. When this happens in the lungs, the cells form tumours that begin to grow, reducing a person’s ability to breathe. The growth of the tumours, along with the pattern of rampant abnormal-cell growth, results in the development of lung cancer in one or both lungs.
Lung cancer is grouped into 2 main types: small cell and non-small cell cancer.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rapidly developing type of lung cancer that predominantly develops in heavy smokers. With SCLC, the cancer cells tend to multiply much faster and spread to other parts of the body more easily during a process called metastasis. While it can be diagnosed earlier, in most cases it is usually only diagnosed after it has spread to other parts of the body.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a group of lung cancers which behave similarly, although they generally have a much slower rate of progression than SCLC and can therefore be detected earlier. This group of lung cancers includes subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma.
Lung cancer symptoms typically only occur in advanced or more severe cases, but the common signs may include:
Once lung cancer is diagnosed, further tests may be done to check the severity. This testing procedure is called ‘staging’ and will include an investigation of the lymph nodes and the rest of the body.
These tests could include procedures such as a CT scan, an MRI, a PET (positron emission tomography) scan and bone scans. Your doctor will decide which tests are recommended for your condition.
Common risk factors for lung cancer include:
The kind of treatment recommended by your healthcare professional will be determined based on the type of lung cancer you have and the stage of the cancer. Small cell lung cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while non-small cell lung cancer may be treated with a combination of treatments. Some of the most common treatments include:
In order to reduce your risk, there are a number of lifestyle changes or preventive measures you can take:
You can find out more about 5 of the top 7 cancers affecting South Africans at the links below:
The information is shared on condition that readers will make their own determination, including seeking advice from a healthcare professional. E&OE.
References:
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