Lung cancer facts

If lung cancer is detected early enough, the patient’s chances of survival are significantly higher as compared to someone whose cancer has been diagnosed at a late stage.

One of the major problems with lung cancer is that it has a tendency to spread to other parts of the body very early in its progression. In fact, the disease is often not detected until it has affected vital body organs like the liver, adrenal glands, brain and / or other body parts. It means that the survival rate is poor for those whose cancers are detected at a late stage.

The five year survival rate for patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma at a late phase of the disease (Stage 4) is just 1%. This means that of those with this advanced stage of the disease, only 1% live past the five year mark. This is not a very encouraging statistic.

Knowing common signs of the disease may help an early diagnosis and therefore, a better survival rate.

Wheezing along with shortness of breath is a possible symptom of lung cancer. So are repeated attacks of bronchitis or pneumonia. Pain in the chest region, fever, swelling in the facial or neck region may also be symptoms of the disease. Appetite loss and weight loss are experienced by some who have lung cancer. Given the information we know about this disease, it is better to be vigilant.

The presence of other health conditions like hypertension may introduce complications. In such cases, the doctor might prescribe high blood pressure control medications. The presence of any symptoms of elevated blood pressure in a lung cancer patient will cause the doctor to be extra vigilant.

There are many more possible early warning signs of lung cancer. If you sense anything unusual, it is critical to see a doctor at the earliest. The doctor may order chest x-rays or CT scans to detect or deny the presence of the disease.

Do keep in mind that many lung cancer symptoms are also common to the signs exhibited by many other diseases and health conditions. So having one or more of the above signs does not in any way confirm the presence of lung cancer. Only a doctor can confirm the presence of the disease, after doing appropriate tests.

Keep in mind that the above does not constitute medical, health or any other kind of professional advice or assistance. Please contact a competent medical professional for advice and assistance on all health matters.

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