Lung Cancer – An Overview
Symptoms & Signs
Sometimes lung cancer may not have any noticeable symptoms and it may be diagnosed only at an advanced stage. However if there is a persistent cough that refuses to go away, breathing changes, wheezing or if one is coughing up blood, they should be screened. Unexplained weight loss, changes in the voice and headaches could also be signs of lung cancer.
To know more click here: https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer/early-signs
Risk Factors
The number one risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, however secondhand smoke is also a major risk factor. Exposure to radon, asbestos and other cancer -causing agents can also put one at risk of getting lung cancer. While some of these can be preventable, there are other risk factors that cannot be prevented like air pollution, radiation therapy to the lungs and family history.
Read more about the risk factors here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
Lung Cancer: Breaking Stereotypes
Why women are susceptible too
Men smokers are significantly more than women, though that’s changing. Globally, the incidence of lung cancer among women especially non – smokers is rapidly increasing. For women, secondhand smoke, gender-based roles, air pollution etc could lead to lung cancer.
Understand what makes women more susceptible to lung cancer and how a false sense of safety can be dangerous, by reading here: http://blog.caregiversaathi.co.in/lung-cancer-and-the-fals…/
Lung Cancer in Non-smokers
Lung cancer in non-smokers is more common than we realize, about 10% to 15% of sufferers are non-smokers. The type and causes of lung cancer in non-smokers are different from that of smokers at a genetic, cellular and molecular level.
To read more about the types, causes, biology and prevention of lung cancer in non-smokers, visit-https://www.verywellhealth.com/lung-cancer-in-non-smokers-2249398
Lung Cancer – Treatment
Alternate Therapies
Caregivers of lung cancer patients also opt for home & homoeopathic options which won’t cure but may help relieve some of the symptoms and side effects of treatment. Do discuss all complementary therapies with your doctor to ensure safety.
To read more about how complementary therapies benefit patients, visit- https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer#home-remedies
Lung Cancer – Impact of Quitting Smoking
Managing Changes in Mood
Quitting smoking is an emotional and physical process. Smoking is used as an escape from negative feelings. Withdrawal from smoking causes mood changes that can be psychological and neurobiological. Psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and pharmacology are ways of managing these mood changes.
To read more, visit- https://healthengine.com.au/info/quitting-smoking-managing-the-associated-mood-changes
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and its effects
Nicotine in tobacco causes physical dependence & quitting leads to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) provides nicotine in the form of gum, patches, sprays, etc. – without the other harmful chemicals. NRT helps reduce physical dependence so that one can focus on the psychological aspects of quitting.
To read more about NRT, how it works, types of NRT, etc. visit- https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/nicotine-replacement-therapy.html
Caregiving and Lung Cancer
Caring for a loved one
Caregiving is an important but overwhelming role. It is necessary that the caregiver recognizes and accepts help. Your loved one needs and trusts a caregiver to provide care and support, however, this can bring enormous levels of stress in YOUR life.
To read more about how to care for your patient as well as yourself, visit- https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/living-well-with-lung-cancer/tips-for-caregivers/
Helping a loved one cope with a diagnosis
Caregivers can help loved ones cope with a lung cancer diagnosis, accept and make peace with the emotions that come with it. Caregivers and well-wishers can also provide an outlet to release psychological distress.
Learn more about identifying what’s controlable, understanding emotional self-care and day to day coping mechanisms- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/patients/find-support/coping-with-emotions.html
Know your “care team”
It is critical for a primary caregiver to know about the various professionals who comprise the ideal “care team” for a lung cancer patient. These help the patient-caregiver duo deal with different aspects like psychological, financial and physical.
Read more about the different professionals that help during the journey at http://blog.caregiversaathi.co.in/getting-the-right-team-t…/