Wellness  

Reducing The Risk Of Cancer Of The Lungs

By Akachi Ikechukwu-Nnamani

12 September 2021   |   10:48 am

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The Nigerian music space as well as lovers of Nigerian music were shocked when the news that the legendary Sound Sultan had died from lung cancer. Those who are close to him confessed that he was one of the few artistes that lived healthily, didn’t smoke, neither did he drink. So it came as a…

Lung cancer

The Nigerian music space as well as lovers of Nigerian music were shocked when the news that the legendary Sound Sultan had died from lung cancer. Those who are close to him confessed that he was one of the few artistes that lived healthily, didn’t smoke, neither did he drink. So it came as a surprise to many that the vibrant Sultan died from lung cancer. Lung cancer? How did that happen?

What is Lung Cancer?
It is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In 2020 alone, there were 19.3 million new registered cancer cases and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths. Lung cancer is also the second most commonly diagnosed cancer after female breast cancer.

Smoking and society smoker death and smoke health danger concept as a cigarette burning with people falling as victims in hot burning ash as a metaphor causing lung cancer risks with 3D illustration elements.

People who smoke have the highest risk of lung cancer and it increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke and the length of time. Yet, about 20 percent of people with lung cancer have never held a cigarette.

When you inhale smoke continuously, changes in the lung tissue begin. Initially, your body may be able to repair the damage but with repeated exposure, the normal cells that line your lungs become increasingly damaged and over time, the damage causes the cells to act abnormally. This type of cancer may not show signs and symptoms at the early stage until it gets to the advanced stage.

Signs And Symptoms
Coughing out blood.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.
Weight loss
Hoarseness.
Headache.

Risk Factors That Cause Lung Cancer
Some common risk factors that cause lung cancer include:
Smoking: This is the leading risk factor of lung cancer and about 80% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. The risk of lung cancer for people who smoke is higher than those who don’t.

Exposure to second-hand smoke: This includes smoke from bars and restaurants, generators, and sadly, they cause more than 7000 deaths each year.

Talcum powder: Talcum powder is made from Talc, which is a naturally occurring mineral mined from the earth, composed of magnesium, oxygen, and hydrogen. Studies have shown that talc miners might have a higher risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases because of their exposure to industrial grade talc.

Family history of lung cancer: Research has found that genetics play a huge role in some families and if a family member has had lung cancer, there is a likely chance that another person might be susceptible. Moreso, if you have had lung cancer in the past, there is a high risk of developing another.

Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Lung Cancer
Stop smoking: If you have never smoked, don’t start. If you do and wish to stop, consult a doctor about strategies and stop-smoking aids to help you.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables: Avoid taking large doses of vitamin pills because they may be harmful. Instead, eat foods with vitamins and nutrients.

Avoid second-hand smoke.

Exercise: Start slowly if you are yet to start.

Salmon and corn. Photo Cooking Light

Foods To Eat To Reduce The Risk Of Lung Cancer
Fortunately, there are foods we can eat to reduce the risk of getting this disease.
Some include:
Vegetables
Beans
Spinach
Oranges
Carrots
Pawpaw
Low-fat dairy
Nuts
Whole grains
Salmon and other food rich in Omega-3 fatty acid

Some studies have shown that the risk of developing lung cancer can come with eating certain foods, that is, red meat, alcohol, although there isn’t definite evidence to support these claims.

Keeping your blood sugar under control and maintaining a healthy weight may help in prevention. It is also important to avoid eating a lot of processed foods.

NOTE: If you have persistent symptoms, consult a doctor.

Cancer causes pain, headaches, nausea and other signs and symptoms, depending on the affected organ. Once lung cancer has spread, it is not curable. However, treatments are available to decrease signs and symptoms in order to help you live longer.