Lung Cancer

Signature Health Services can help with the management and treatment of lung cancer.

Lung cancer and how we care for it

What is lung cancer?

Normal and healthy cells die at a point in their life cycle. When cells of a specific part of the body grow out of control and develop tumors, it is called cancer. If this disease spreads in the lungs, it is known as lung cancer. The lungs are two large organs that take in oxygen during inhalation and release CO2 at exhalation. They are the main organs responsible for respiration.

There are two principal variants of lung cancer: small and non-small cell; the latter is the more common. It is rare to develop lung cancer without smoking cigarettes or exposure to their smoke and inhaling some chemicals or other toxins.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Generally, there are no noticeable signs in lung cancer’s early stages. Some of the first symptoms to appear are similar to those of a respiratory infection:

Uneasy breathe or hisses
Lasting cough
Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia
Hoarseness

Once the lung cancer reaches an advanced stage, the patient may experience more severe symptoms:

Extreme fatigue
Coughing up blood
Headaches
Chest pain
Appetite and weight loss

Lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is the first cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. More people die from lung cancer than breast and prostate cancer combined yearly. In addition, only one in every three people diagnosed with lung cancer lives more than one year after, and only 5% live more than ten years after diagnosis.

Treatment decisions depend on the stage and type of cancer. Surgery is the most recommended action if the tumor is detected early and confined to a tiny region. Patients usually undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy if surgery is not an option due to the condition or because the cancer has spread more than expected. Some of these options might not cure lung cancer, but they can prevent it from spreading to other body parts.

Preventing lung cancer

Most lung cancers are caused by smoking. Regular cigarettes contain over 50 toxic and carcinogenic substances. Passive smokers hold a considerable risk of developing lung cancer, too. The exposure and inhalation of other substances like radon, asbestos, arsenic, coal, and cadmium, among others, might also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. It is essential to take notice of these factors, such as many of these substances are chemicals commonly used in several industries and occupations.

Unlike other types of cancer, lung cancer is well known for mostly being a result of certain behaviors. You can always lower your risk by taking these actions:

Don’t smoke
Avoid secondhand smoke
Test your home for radon
Be careful if you work with substances and chemicals

How can Signature help patients with lung cancer?

Though survival rates vary enormously, a lung cancer patient can go through many emotions. Whether a person has just been diagnosed, finished treatment, or discovered that cancer has returned. Living with the physical difficulties of cancer or going through aggressive therapies is not easy for the patient or the family.

At Signature, we have the experience and resources to provide the best support for the patient and the family. Our registered nurses may help with most disabling symptoms, such as fatigue or chronic pain.

For more information on how Signature Health Services can help with your healthcare needs, please call 1 (800) 277-8291 or email information@signaturehealthservices.net.