Lung cancer is a serious form of cancer in which abnormal cells grow out of control in the organs responsible for absorbing oxygen.
Like all cancers, early diagnosis is critical to improve survival outcomes.
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Unfortunately, cancer is usually not detected until it has advanced.
When this happens, the body can undergo marked changes that affect daily life.
A telltale sign is difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia.
According to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, this can lead to weight loss and dehydrationAnd it can be very distressing.
«It can be caused by cancer, infections for example thrush or side effects of treatment, for example radiotherapy», says the health agency.
As he explains, it can seem like the food doesn’t go down, or sometimes the food eaten goes back up.
«Occasionally you may experience pain or a burning sensation when swallowing»he adds.
Other symptoms include:
- Cough that does not go away after two or three weeks.
- A prolonged cough that gets worse.
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- cough up blood
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
- How is lung cancer treated?
«The most common treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy»explains the NHS.
According to the health authority, depending on the type of cancer and the stage, you may receive a combination of these treatments.
There are some factors that can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, although having any of these risk factors it does not mean that you will definitely get cancer.
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the world.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 7 in 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking. This includes breathe other people’s cigarette smoke.
«These include asbestos, silica and diesel exhaust fumes. People can be exposed to these through their work.»He says.
Research also suggests that being exposed to diesel fumes for many years increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
One study has shown that your risk of developing lung cancer increases by about 33 percent if you live in an area with high levels of nitrogen oxide gases (mainly produced by cars and other vehicles).
Previous lung diseases can increase the risk of lung cancer; these risks are usually higher in smokers, says Cancer Research UK.
«Your risk of lung cancer is higher if you have COPD or a lung infection (pneumonia) compared to people who don’t,» the charity warns.
The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are long-term lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
COPD usually develops due to long-term damage to the lungs from breathing in a harmful substance, usually cigarette smoke.