November is National Lung Cancer Month in Canada.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿?
Lung Cancer starts in the cells of your lungs and develops when a group of abnormal cells begins to multiply forming lumps called tumours. Cancer that starts in the lung can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Typically, the body programs cells to die at a certain stage in their life cycle to avoid overgrowth. Cancer overrides this instruction, causing cells to grow and multiply when they should not.
The overgrowth of cells leads to the development of tumors and the harmful effects of cancer.
In lung cancer, this pattern of cell overgrowth occurs in the lungs, which are vital organs for breathing and gas exchange.
Doctors typically diagnose two lung cancer types, small cell and non-small cell, depending on how they appear under a microscope. A person is more likely to have non-small cell lung cancer than small cell.
𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮
It is estimated that in 2019, 14.900 men & 14,500 women will develop Lung Cancer. At nearly 30,000 new cases, lung cancer represents 13% of all new cancer cases. This makes Lung Cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada,
It is estimated that 20,000 Canadians (10,900 men & 10,100 women) will die from Lung cancer in 2019. Which makes Lung cancer also the leading cause of cancer death for both males and females.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽?
We typically associate lung cancer with smoking. While smoking has been proven to increase your chances of being diagnosed with Lung Cancer. In reality, anyone can develop it.
Exposure to second-hand smoke, chemicals, Asbestos & pollution are just a few risk factors to consider.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆
Early detection & treatment is key to success in any form of Cancer. Get regular health check ups & consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
Since smokers and former smokers have the highest risk of developing Lung Cancer, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends they get screened with a low-dose CT once each year for 3 years. This is emphasized for adults who are 50-74 years of age.
You can learn more about pre-screening in British Columbia by visiting HealthLinkBC
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer and live in the Greater Victoria Area, Pacific Coast Health Services can help by creating a customized Healthcare Plan based on your current condition and prognosis.
For more information visit our Services section or contact us for a free in Home Healthcare Assessment.
Sources: HealthLinkBC - Canada.ca -Cancer.ca - Lung.ca
For informational purposes only. Information contained on our site is never intended to replace legal advice from a lawyer or medical advice from a physician.