Lung Cancer + Original Articles

Sure, cigarettes can do damage to your heart and lungs. But did you know lighting up can take a toll on your mind as well? You're probably well aware that smoking is a significant risk factor for lung cancer and other serious diseases. But did you know it also takes a toll on your brain function? In developing countries, tobacco use is the single largest cause of premature death and memory impairment, which is shown to predict dementia.

The symptoms of lupus are similar to other diseases, and no two cases are alike making it difficult to diagnose. Lupus (systemic lupus erhthematosus) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Your immune system, which normally protects your body from harm, fails to distinguish between a foreign invader and the body's own tissue. Therefore, it creates antibodies to attack and destroy healthy tissue.

Don't get bogged down in the fallacies about lupus. Get the facts here. Lupus is an autoimmune disease with vague and diverse symptoms. Not surprisingly, this means it's difficult to accurately diagnose and fraught with misconceptions. Here are a few false beliefs, along with the facts. Anyone can have lupus. This is true.

Even with a lack of pain, cancer can make its presence known in many ways, although some symptoms are a bit vague and ambiguous. When you consider the side effects of cancer, what comes to mind? You probably think about pain and the presence of a noticeable lump (at least for common cancers such as breast or prostate cancer). According to the National Cancer Institute, early cancer does not usually cause pain, which makes it not a very good early warning symptom.

It's used to everything from trucks to generators, but it's now clear diesel fumes are tied to cancer. What can you do about it? In 1988, the International Association for Cancer Research (IARC) classified diesel exhaust as a "probable carcinogen to humans." In 2012, it stopped hedging its bets and dropped the "probable." A large study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found an increase in the risk of death from lung cancer among underground miners exposed to diesel fumes.

It's not really a knife, but this treatment tool is showing great promise with the most difficult-to-reach cancers. Some cancers are especially difficult to treat because of their proximity to critical body parts. Surgery and radiation, in particular, may damage healthy tissue close to the tumor. A few oncologists are treating these types of cancer with the NanoKnife, a new technology, which is not really a knife at all.

Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung (and other) cancers and is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. However, we all know individuals who smoke for a long time and never develop cancer. Surprisingly, despite the strong link, only a fraction of smokers will ever develop lung cancer in their lifetimes. There are several possible explanations why some smokers avoid this deadly disease while others are not so fortunate. Cigarette Chemicals Cause Cancer According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals.

If detected early, many forms of cancer can be successfully treated. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. The incidence of cancer is growing worldwide. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. in 2012. In addition to cancer's physical and emotional toll, it causes a significant financial burden on patients and society.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. The bad news is that lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer. The good news is that tobacco causes most lung cancers, making it also the most preventable type of cancer. In fact, 90 percent of lung cancers deaths in men and 80 percent in women are due to smoking.

Recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men. So why is there such a gap? On average, men in the United States die approximately five years earlier than women. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010 give women an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men.

This drug seems to offer relief from pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and loss of appetite, which are common side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. And there are other possible benefits as well. Because cannabis is illegal, scientific research on the medical benefits for cancer and other serious illnesses is limited, and much of the evidence is anecdotal. However, there seems to be a growing body of data (and citizen demand) to support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes.

Many people successfully kick the habit, and you can too. Here, the top 10 benefits of smoke-free living. Although the health risks associated with smoking are irrefutable, many people have difficulty butting out. After all, nicotine is a powerful drug, and when smokers quit, they can experience withdrawal symptoms ranging from anger and irritability to headaches and insomnia.

When it comes to getting regular checkups, men have a poor track record. But many health conditions can be better treated if detected early. Here's a list of the four deadliest cancers that affect men, plus useful tips on how to recognize the early signs. Men are notoriously bad guardians of their health. A survey of more than 2,000 men conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in 2007 revealed that 55 percent of all men have not seen their primary care physician for a physical exam within the past year.

While cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women, there are particular factors unique to men that make them more susceptible of ending the battle against cancer sooner than in women. Cancer—especially late in life—can be deadly, but a new report from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveals that the often precarious disease prefers men. Lead researcher Michael B. Cook, an epidemiologist with NCI explains that differences in "carcinogenic exposures, metabolism, and susceptibility," seem to be the cause.

Scientists from the University of Missouri have found that asthma could increase your risk for lung cancer. However, other experts say you don't need to panic. But there is consensus that asthma can cause damage to your lungs. Avoid these offenders to keep your lungs strong. According to scientists from the University of Missouri, asthma can put you at an increased risk for lung cancer. There's no need to panic though, because other experts don't think that the study findings are strong enough to identify any real cause and effect.

You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good. There's no question about it: smoking causes cancer. In fact, smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Roughly 22 percent of cancer deaths in women, and 45 percent in men, are directly attributable to personal smoking habits.

When a patient becomes resistant to chemotherapy, it becomes a much less effective treatment option. Now, scientists are working on ways to extend the effectiveness of anticancer drugs. There are many types of chemotherapy drugs physicians use to treat cancer patients and they vary in how they attack and destroy cancer cells. Some types of chemotherapy are more effective with certain types of cancers, and some work best in tandem with other drugs.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.

If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute. In 2001, the National Cancer Institute began producing the NCI Cancer Trends Progress Report. Since then, it has updated it annually. The Report gives us an overall summary on the incidence and mortality of different types of cancer. So, if you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update (2009/2010)  Death rates for prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers (the four most common types) continue to decline.

Mold tends to breed in all sorts of warm, damp, and humid areas both inside and outside of your home. But did you also know that certain molds can grow right inside your lungs? Mold tends to breed in all sorts of warm, damp, and humid areas both inside and outside of your home. But did you also know that certain molds can grow right inside your lungs? Researchers now believe that Aspergillus fumigates, a mold commonly found in soil and compost piles, can seep into the lungs and begin to grow, leading to long-term damage.

The numbers and letters that describe cancer can sound mysterious and scary. Understanding how they are determined can help. When your physician diagnoses you with cancer, she then needs to determine the stage of your cancer. For patients, the numbers and letters that describe cancer can sound mysterious and scary. Here is a brief overview of cancer staging. What is Cancer Staging? Staging describes how advanced your disease is and whether it has spread beyond the initial tumor site.

While cancer researchers have often come to conflicting conclusions in their studies, to date the results are encouraging. The humble and ubiquitous aspirin may play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. In a review of 10 studies of aspirin and prostate cancer, aspirin reduced the risk of prostate cancer in eight studies; while two showed an increased risk.

In fact, a new study found an inverse relationship over time between quitting smoking and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Smoking acts as an antidepressant, making smokers feel good, at least in the short term. For years, physicians and smokers alike worried that quitting smoking would exacerbate depression in people who were already depressed. Researchers are accumulating evidence to disprove this notion.

Preliminary studies using breath tests to identify patients with cancer may provide another option for doctors. So far, results show promise for detecting at least two types of cancers. Preliminary studies using breath tests to identify patients with cancer may provide another option for doctors. So far, results show promise for detecting at least lung and breast cancers. Early detection of cancer is critical. Catching tumors before they spread increases the likelihood treatment will be successful, so physicians need more accurate screening tools.

Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems. Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. If left untreated, lung problems can also cause stress on your heart and lead to other serious health issues.

This supplement has a big reputation, but what do the studies show when it comes to cancer prevention? Fish oil is known for purported cancer prevention properties. One study showed that DHA (decosahexaenoic acid—one of the fatty acids in fish oil) stopped or reversed tumor growth of neuroblastoma, a deadly tumor that affects children. Six to nine percent of childhood cancers are neuroblastomas.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start—-and complete—-treatment as soon as possible. However, there are times when physicians will postpone chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is one of the main components of cancer treatment for many patients. Oncologists often prescribe chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery or radiation to eradicate tumors and help prevent recurrence. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start-and complete-treatment as soon as possible.

Research and progress in targeted cancer therapy today may someday lead to highly effective, customized treatment for cancer patients. Targeted cancer therapy, also called molecular targeted drugs or therapy, blocks the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with the tumor’s growth. Research and progress in targeted cancer therapy today may someday lead to highly effective, customized treatment for cancer patients. Targeted cancer therapy—also called molecular targeted drugs or therapy—blocks the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with the tumor's growth.

Yoga shows great promise for providing relief, which is great news for the millions of cancer survivors in the U.S. The conclusion of cancer treatment does not necessarily mean that cancer-related stress, anxiety, and treatment side effects end as well. Cancer survivors frequently report post-treatment difficulties, particularly fatigue, and poor sleep quality. Yoga shows great promise for providing relief, which is great news for the millions of cancer survivors in the U.

The National Cancer Institute implicates environmental factors in about two-thirds of cancer cases. The U.S. President's Cancer Panel Report, released in April 2010, presented some sobering results: We have significantly underestimated the true burden of cancer caused by environmental factors. In fact, the National Cancer Institute implicates environmental factors in about two-thirds of cancer cases.

Sleep disturbances are common in people who have cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, which makes a challenging situation even more difficult. Sleep disturbances are common in people who have cancer—especially those undergoing chemotherapy—which makes a challenging situation even more difficult. Chemotherapy and other treatments cause side effects, such as pain, itching, fever, and hot flashes that make sleep difficult.

Men who have asthma are less likely to be diagnosed with common forms of cancer than their healthier counterparts. Common asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort can play an important role to ward off cancer. If you're a male with asthma, did you know that this condition could actually be good for your health? Researchers now believe this is true—at least when it comes to reducing your risk of being diagnosed with some of the most common forms of cancers.

Learn how this innovative tool called the electric nose can identify and diagnose respiratory conditions such as asthma, lung cancer and pneumonia. You've probably heard the saying, "The nose knows." This is especially true when it comes to a diagnostic tool called the electric nose, which researchers now believe can effectively identify asthma patients by smell. Intrigued? Read on to find out how this innovative machine works and what it might do for you.

When it comes to smoking, and quitting, men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting. When it comes to smoking--and quitting--men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions between them can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting. The Differences Men tend to smoke from habit or to enhance positive sensations, while women often smoke as a buffer against negative feelings.

Dizziness. Depression. Anxiety. Headache. Weight gain. If someone suggested you do something that might cause these, and other, unpleasant symptoms, you’d likely run the other way. But what if a few days of discomfort could have a profound affect on your health? Dizziness. Depression. Anxiety. Headache. Weight gain. If someone suggested you do something that might cause these, and other, unpleasant symptoms, you'd likely run the other way. But what if a few days of discomfort could have a profound affect on your health? These symptoms describe some of the potential side effects from nicotine withdrawal, which occurs when you quit smoking.

Physicians routinely use the simple urine test to monitor patients’ health and diagnose disease. Recently, however, scientists have discovered that urine tests may be helpful in detecting cancer as well. Physicians routinely use the simple urine test to monitor patients' health and diagnose disease. Recently, however, scientists have discovered that urine tests may be helpful in detecting cancer as well. A urine test reveals physiological changes in the body that may indicate health problem and can serve as an early warning system in patients who don't have symptoms.

Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer. Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer. It's impossible to eliminate our exposure to all potentially harmful substances. However, we can take steps to reduce our risk from common cancer-causing substances.

Here’s a look at the five deadliest cancers and the factors that may increase your risk. With the passing of senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy a few years ago, the spotlight shone on brain cancer--one of the deadliest cancers. The survival rate for the most common form is very low, especially past the age of 55 where it's just one percent.

You know that cigarettes are harmful. But do you know why? Degreasing engines, dry cleaning clothes, removing nail polish, preserving dead bodies and controlling pests: do you know what these seemingly unrelated activities have in common? They all use toxic, hazardous chemicals-chemicals you subject your body to every time you smoke a cigarette.

If you’re trying to quit smoking to reduce your risk of lung cancer, a journal may be an invaluable addition to your smoking cessation toolbox. Do you believe you can write your way to better health? Scientists say that writing in a journal confers numerous, documented health benefits-one of which can be quitting smoking. According to the American Cancer Society, only four to seven percent of people who try to quit smoking on any given attempt are successful without medications or some form of help.

Secondhand smoke can be just as deadly as lighting up. What is secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke comes from two sources: the smoke exhaled by a smoker, and the smoke given off by the actual cigarette as it burns. Inhaling secondhand smoke is also called passive or involuntary smoking. Like Reeves, approximately 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women with lung cancer never smoked.

While medical advancements are constantly being made, Americans continue to fall behind on some basic health measures. How healthy are you? No, really. Your health goes beyond having the sniffles, an upset stomach, or a strained muscle. What's the state of your overall health and well being? Well, if you're anything like most Americans, it's not great—and it's getting worse as more people are being diagnosed with diseases like diabetes and asthma, are exercising less, and are gaining more weight.

Today's patches, gums, and inhalers may help smokers who want to quit but need to wean themselves off nicotine slowly. Quitting smoking isn't easy. More than 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, yet only 5 to 10 percent are successful in any given attempt, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite these odds, more than 46 million Americans have managed to quit smoking for good, helping to decrease (or even eliminate) their risk of developing a range of serious health conditions.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it's important to know the facts. Read on as we separate fact from fiction. A diagnosis of cancer can be frightening for both patients and their loved ones. But according to experts, many of the fears surrounding the disease are caused by misconceptions about the condition and its treatment. By learning the facts, you can ease your fears, cope with your diagnosis, and manage the disease more effectively.

Research suggests that certain foods can help reduce your cancer risk. While there's no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.

Get the facts about this common and deadly lung disease, which affects 32 million Americans. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella name for two frequently coexisting lung diseases: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD find that it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe due to partially blocked airways. Long-term smokers are at the highest risk for the disease, which is the fourth leading cause of death in America.

The outlook for people diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly, but when will we find a cure? Virtually everyone will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives, whether through a personal diagnosis or a loved one's struggle with the disease. So when we read magazine articles proclaiming earth-shattering discoveries that will lead to a single, reliable treatment, we want to believe them.

Follow these tips to minimize nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Any cancer patient knows that chemotherapy means two things: a potential cure for cancer and side effects. Thankfully, there are several strategies to help minimize these adverse effects and get you back on your feet. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly.