Lung cancer has long been associated as a murderer of men, but now it has passed breast cancer as the number one killing cancer of women. The American Cancer Society suggests that women are 1.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men. Studies also show that African American women develop cancer more frequently from lung cancer than white women.

While smoking is a major cause of lung cancer in smokers, passive smoking also causes lung cancer and cardiovascular disease in nonsmokers. There are about 20% of women with lung cancer diagnosed never smoked (American Cancer Society). Several factors in addition to secondhand smoke include: exposure to radon or asbestos, inhalation of toxic chemicals or minerals, or simply buy is genetically predisposed. However, the advantage is that smokers are generally positive given the treatment for their cancer.

Lung cancer is caused by certain cells in the body divide abnormally and cause malfunctions. These cells produce excessive tissue that eventually becomes a tumor. There are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Both types are treated differently.

Lung Cancer Not Just a Man's Killer

So how do you know if you develop lung cancer? Some symptoms include: difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, excessive, persistent cough, increased mucus production, a change in color of mucus or bloody mucus, pain in the back, chest or shoulder area, and swelling of the face and neck. When to visit one of these signs, consult a doctor immediately.

If you are a smoker, your chances of getting lung cancer are greatly reduced if you quit smoking. The American Cancer Society says that in the past 30 years the cure rate for lung cancer has doubled.

Although the stakes are higher for women smokers, you now end your chances of reducing lung cancer. However, if you have yet to be lung cancer, quitting smoking could significantly increase your chances of survival. Be aware of changes you can make in your lifestyle and environment, to help protect against this disease.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogosphere News
  • Furl
  • MySpace
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati

Related Posts

::Sponsored Links::