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Lung Cancer: Not Just a Man's Killer Lung cancer has long been associated as a killer of men but now it has passed breast cancer as the number 1 killing cancer of women. The American Cancer Society states that women are 1.5 times more likely to obtain lung cancer than men. Studies additionally show that African American women are more likely to obtain lung cancer than white women. While smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer to smokers, secondhand smoke additionally causes lung cancer including coronary heart disease to nonsmokers. There are regarding 20% pertaining to the women diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked (American Cancer Society). Some things besides secondhand smoke includes: exposure to radon or asbestos, inhaling toxic chemicals or minerals, or just being genetically predisposed to getting it. However, the upside is that nonsmokers do generally respond positively to the treatments given for their cancer. Lung cancer is caused by certain cells in the body malfunctioning including dividing abnormally. These cells end up producing excessive tissue that turns into a tumor. There are non-small cell lung cancer including small cell lung cancer. Both types are treated differently. So, how do you know if you may have lung cancer? Some signs include: labored breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, excessive, persistent coughing, a particular increase in phlegm, a change in the phlegm's color or bloody phlegm, pain in the back, chest, or shoulder area, including swelling in the face including neck. If you have any of these signs, see a doctor immediately. If you are a smoker, your chances of getting lung cancer are greatly reduced at the time you quit smoking. The American Cancer Society states that in the last 30 years, the cure rate for lung cancer has doubled. While the stakes are higher for women smokers, quitting today could lower your chances of getting lung cancer. However, if you should still obtain lung cancer, quitting smoking will greatly increase your survival rate. Be aware of changes you should make in your lifestyle including environment to help keep yourself safe from the disease.
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