A Major Problems Caused By Smoking

The most prevalent symptoms of lung cancer are persistent coughing, worsening of a pre-existing chronic cough and presence of blood in sputum, unexplained loss of weight, chest pains and difficulties in breathing. These symptoms will vary depending on the location of the patient and the rate at which the tumor spreads. The sad reality is that one cannot identify any early signs or warnings of lung cancer easily.

There are two types of cancer of the lungs: primary lung cancer and Mesothelioma, which is also referred to as secondary lung cancer. Primary lung cancer is usually starts in the lungs. Mesothelioma on the other hand results when the cancer starts in another part or other parts of the body and slowly spreads to the lungs.

Cancer of the lungs can be categorized into primary lung cancer and Mesothelioma. The primary lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs while the Mesothelioma or also referred to as secondary lung cancer normally results when the origin of the cancer was from another part of the body spreading to the lungs. The causes of lung cancer can be through smoking, radon gas, asbestos or viruses not forgetting the genetic risk.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is by far the major leading cause to lung cancer with over 80% of lung cancer related deaths in the developed world being as a result of cigarette smoking. There are even greater chances of one developing lung cancer if he/ she takes on smoking at a younger age. Non-smokers can also find themselves developing cancer through exposure from the presence of one smoking close to them. Therefore in smoking pipes and cigars, cannabis or as a passive smoker you are likely to develop lung cancer.

Radon Gas: This gas is natural in occurrence and is known to pass from the soil to building foundations. Exposure to these gases will very much vary as per the locality and the underlying soil and rocks in that area.

Asbestos: Heavy exposure to asbestos is a major cause of one developing lung cancer. Others at risk are those have had prolonged contact with asbestos. Perhaps the most affected are people who use a combination of asbestos and tobacco. This has far reaching effects and one can easily succumb to the disease in a short time.

Viruses: Previously, viruses were seen to cause lung cancer in animals, but recent research has come out to suggest that it can also cause lung cancer in humans. The viruses that are known to be causing lung cancer include; human papillomavirus, JC virus, simian virus among others. They tend to affect cell cycle resulting to the uncontrolled cell division.

Prevention measures such as avoidance of tobacco are cost-effective and better ways of avoiding lung cancer.