Lung cancer is not only the second most common type of cancer in the world today, but is also the main culprit for cancer deaths in men and women alike! August is World Lung Cancer Day on August 1st promoting awareness of lung cancer and lung health.
Lung cancer can start in the lungs and travel to other parts of your body through the bloodstream or lymph system, creating new tumors along the way (metastasizing). There are certain conditions that can put you at risk for lung cancer:
-Inhaling tobacco: Tobacco smoke has 70+ carcinogens that are cancer-causing by damaging the cells lining the lungs. Over time, this habit can cause respiratory issues, whether you are smoking cigars, cigarettes or pipes. Even secondhand smoke boosts your potential lung cancer risk.
-Your family tree: If you have lost a family member to lung cancer and also smoke, you are twice as likely to find yourself battling lung cancer someday.
-Home environment and occupation hazards: If you are exposed to specific chemicals like radon, asbestos, arsenic, nickel, chromium, tar, and soot — whether it’s at home or work — you are at greater risk of lunch cancer.
-Prior radiation treatments: If you have had radiation therapy in your chest area for cancer (such as breast cancer) you are at greater risk as well.
Get Screened
Your best bet for overcoming lung cancer is to catch it early. For the greatest success, you want to catch it and treat it before it spreads (metastasizes). For this reason, Dr. John Abroon and our team strongly encourage regular doctor checkups and physicals which help protect your lung health. Dr. Abroon uses pulmonary function testing (PFT) to evaluate your lung health:
-Air volume and speed moving in and out of the lungs
-Compliance of your chest wall
-Diffusion characteristics of your lung membrane
Dr. Abroon will look for lung problems like cystic fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you have health concerns, please call the office of Dr. John Abroon in New York City, NY, at (212) 288-0900 today! Your health is important to us!