Lung Cancer

Done By: Alessa, Alexis, Dakota

Description of Lung Cancer The chemicals in tobacco are the cause of most lung cancer cases There are two types of lung cancer, small cell and nonsmall cell. Small-cell lung cancer is found almost exclusively in heavy smokers Nonsmall-cell lung cancers include squamous cell, carcinoma, adenocarcinoma

and large-cell carcinoma

According to the American Cancer Society, causes of nonsmall-cell include secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, radiation treatment to the lungs, arsenic, family history and air pollution.

Pictures of Lung Cancer

Symptoms of Lung CancerLung cancer symptoms include dyspenia or shortness of

breath, wheezing, chest pain, fatigue and loss of appetite, chronic coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss and a horse voice, pneumonia, asthma and back pains among others.

Treatment for Lung Cancer Standard treatment options include surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation

therapy. Newer lung cancer treatment approaches include photodynamic therapy, electrocautery,

cryosurgery, laser surgery, targeted therapy and internal radiation.Treatment Guidelines for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Stage 0 Surgical resection Endoscopic surgery, laser therapy, electrosurgery, cryosurgery

Stage IA Surgical resection Chemotherapy (adjuvant), radiation therapy Stage IB Surgical resection Chemotherapy (adjuvant), radiation therapy Stage IIA Surgical resection Chemotherapy (adjuvant), radiation therapy (primary or

adjuvant) Stage IIB Surgical resection Chemotherapy (adjuvant), radiation therapy (primary or

adjuvant) Stage IIIA Surgery then chemotherapy

Chemotherapy and radiation Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation Stage IIIB Chemotherapy and radiation   Stage IV Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy (palliative) Surgical resection (palliative) Combination therapy, internal radiation, targeted therapy, laser

Treatment for Lung Cancer ContinuedTreatment Guidelines for Small Cell Lung Cancer

Stage Standard Treatment Alternate TherapyLimited Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy (single drug or combination) SurgeryExtensive Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy (combination of drugs) Radiation therapy to the brain prophylacticallySurgery (palliative)

Prevention Tips for Lung Cancer1. Don't Smoke

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for 80 to 90% of lung cancers. It is never too late to quit smoking. For those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, smoking cessation may improve survival.

2. Check Your Home for Radon For non-smokers, checking your home for radon is the number one thing you

can do for lung cancer prevention. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Radon is an odorless gas that results from the decay of natural uranium in the soil beneath our homes. Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in all 50 states and around the world. The only way to know if you are at risk is to test your home for radon

3. Be Careful and Aware at Work It’s estimated that up to 29% of lung cancers in men are related to on-the-job

exposures to cancer causing substances. Many of these work collectively with smoking to raise your risk even further. Employers are required to provide Material Safety Data Sheets on chemicals you may be exposed to at work. Make sure to check these out.

Prevention Tips for Lung Cancer Continued4. Be Careful and Aware at Home

Lung cancer prevention is important at home as well. Chemicals that contribute to lung cancer are found not only at the workplace, but may be under your sink or in your garage. Carefully read labels on household products and follow the instructions for safe usage. Wood smoke from wood burning stoves and fireplaces may also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

5. Avoid Secondhand Smoke Secondhand smoke is responsible for roughly 3000 cases of lung cancer

each year in the United States alone. Living with a smoker increases your chance of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30%. Thankfully, smoking laws have made it easier to stay “secondhand smoke free” in recent years, and will likely play an important role in lung cancer prevention.

6. Exercise for Lung Cancer Prevention Even moderate amounts of exercise can aid in lung cancer prevention.

Studies suggest that even something as simple as gardening twice a week is associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer.

Prevention Tips for Lung Cancer Continued7. Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables

A diet rich in fruits in vegetables is linked with a lower risk of developing lung cancer. Recently, studies suggest that variety may be even more important than quantity. Make lung cancer prevention fun by trying out new foods in the produce section. Try to choose a rainbow of colors, including dark greens such as spinach and broccoli, the whites of onions, the reds of apples and tomatoes, and the orange of orange juice and winter squash.

On a reverse note, inorganic phosphates found in processed meats and cheeses are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.

8. Enjoy a Cup of Green Tea Green tea has been shown to prevent some of the damage to cells

caused by smoking, and people who consume more green tea appear to have a lower risk of lung cancer. That said, drinking green tea isn’t a “get out of jail free” card, and quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to lower your risk.

Prevention Tips for Lung Cancer Continued9. Limit Your Intake of Alcohol

Another important step in lung cancer prevention may include limiting your intake of certain types of alcoholic beverages. For men, the heavy consumption of beer and hard liquor is associated with an elevated risk of developing lung cancer. In contrast, a moderate intake of wine in men was linked with a lower risk of developing the disease.

10. Be Wary of Supplements Advertisements would lead us to believe that nutritional

supplements are beneficial in lung cancer prevention, while in fact, studies have actually linked the use of some supplements to a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Supplements that have raised concern include beta-carotene, retinol, lutein, and vitamin E. If you are considering taking nutritional supplements, talk with your doctor or ask her to refer you to someone knowledgeable about the risks and benefits of supplements for your specific situation.

Sources Vaesa, J. (Aug 2, 2010), A Description for Lung Cancer /www.livestrong.com/article/192080-a-description-for-lung-cancer/

Picture sources Cancer.gov medicinenet.com Stopsmokingonlinetoday.com sciencephoto.com

Symptoms sources Lung Cancer Symptoms - Will You Let The Lung Cancer Win?,

/http://www.lungcancersymptomsv.comTreatment sources

Lung Cancer Treatment, http://www.lung-cancer.com/treatment.htmlPrevention tips sources

Eldridge, L, (October 22, 2010), 10 Tips for Lung Cancer Prevention,

http://lungcancer.about.com/od/preventinglungcance1/tp/Lung-Cancer-Prevention-Tips.htm