General Facts of Lung Cancer By K. Ngo

Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled damaged cell growth in tissues of the lungs. This growth may spread to other organs, adjacent or non-adjacent tissue beyond the lungs. Lung cancer accounts for one of the most cancer-related deaths in both men and women, is responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide. In 2008, an estimated of 1961,840 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer, accounting for about one-third of all cancer deaths. More women have died each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer sine 1987. After several decade of increase, a female lung cancer death rate is now in a plateau and becomes the second cause of death behind breast cancer. From 1990-1994, death rates among men have decreased by 1.3% per year. Both indicators are good signs showing a decrease in smoking rates over the past 30 years in both men and women.

Just a bit over 215,000 new cases of lung cancer, accounts for an estimated of 15% of all cancer, were diagnosed in 2008. For treatment purposes, lung cancer is classified as small cell or non-small cell. These cells are treated differently. Treatment options vary by type of cells and the stages of cancer. Treatment methods may include one or a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy and surgery. Because the cancer has usually spread by the time it is discovered, radiation and chemotherapy are often used, and if necessary, in combination with surgery. Common lung cancer symptoms may include shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change, weight loss and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis. Smoking cigarette is no doubt the biggest risk factor to lung cancer. Risk increases with the amount and the duration of cigarette smoking. There are many cancer-causing chemical compounds in tobacco smoke. Smoking cigars and pipes also cause lung cancer even though not as high a risk as smoking cigarette. Second hand smoke, occupational or environmental pollution or exposure to radon, asbestos and certain metals such as chromium, cadmium and arsenic, are factors to risk of lung cancer. Genetic plays an important role in the development of the disease, especially in those with the disease at a younger age.

Early detection has not proved to reduce mortality. Chest X-ray and bronchial passages fiberoptic examination is not too effective in reducing lung cancer deaths. Between 2000 and 2003, the 1-year relative survival rate has increased to 41% compared to 35% during the 1975 - 1979 period. However, only 15% of all the patients survive past the 5-year relative in all stages of the cancer combined.

Live well, eat healthy, exercise, stay optimist, don't ever smoke or quit smoking will help prevent getting cancer in the first place.

Paying attention to the water you drink daily is one way to prevent cancer development. About 70% of the bodies' weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments and sicknesses. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit Drinking Water Safety. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies' weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

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