Symptoms of Lung Cancer and its Prevention

One of the most devastating diseases affecting a huge population worldwide is lung cancer. Many people are unaware of how it occurs and the prevention measures to avoid getting affected. 

The lungs get affected and develop cancer when the cells that line the air passages grow and multiply uncontrollably. It occurs throughout the lymphatic system. 

Symptoms of Lung cancer

If you observe any of these 17 visible symptoms of lung cancer, please consider consulting a lung specialist in Mumbai:- 

1. Continuous coughing.
2. Sudden and unexplained weight loss. 
3. Appetite loss.
4. Fatigue and tiredness.
5. Feeling of dizziness.
6. Chronic and severe lung infection.
7. Severe shoulder, chest, and back pain. 
8. Shortness of breath during day-to-day activities.
9. Blood in cough.
10. Jaundice.
11. Swelling in the neck, arms, and face.
12. Pain in the bone.
13. Formation of lumps in the neck.
14. Numbness in the limbs.
15. Chronic headache and weakness.
16. Fluid in the chest after getting tested.

Causes or risk factors of Lung Cancer

• Smoking

Smoking is injurious to health, something we are accustomed to hearing or reading now and then. It is one of the major risk factors linked to lung cancer worldwide.  

•  Genetics

It is commonly said, based on research, that lung cancer can also affect a person based on inherited genetic traits. 

• Lifestyle

Along with smoking and genetics, another factor that can be cancer-causing in the lungs is our lifestyle. Lifestyle mainly includes the food we eat, the amount of exercise we do, our sleep levels, etc. 

• Exposure to elements like radon and air pollution can also be a major factor in causing cancer of the lungs. 
• Previous radiation therapy for other cancers can trigger the risk of lung cancer.

Ways to prevent developing Lung cancer

There are no foolproof ways of preventing lung cancer. But, you can try the following to mitigate the risk of the disease:

1. No smoking- The first thing is to quit or not start smoking. Even if peers force you to start, you should be aware of the harmful impact of smoking on your health. 
2. Avoiding secondhand smoke- Even if you are a non-smoker, you can get exposed to it from someone near you who smokes. Urge them not to smoke and, if possible, quit smoking. Avoid visiting places that are prone to smoky air, like bars and restaurants which allow smoking within the premises. 
3. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Exercise at least thrice every week.

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When to see a doctor

Book an appointment with your nearest pulmonologist if you see persistent signs or symptoms that are worrisome. If you smoke and have not been able to quit, your doctor can help by recommending strategies for quitting smoking, such as medications, counseling, and nicotine replacement products.

Dr. Salil S. Bendre is a lung specialist in Mumbai from Nanavati Max Super specialty hospital whom you can consult. Other than him, you can also take advice from Dr. Agya Singh Kochar, Dr. Prashant Chhajed, and Dr. Sudhir Nair from the same hospital.