Breathe Easier – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some statistics –

Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer death in men and women
The lung cancer death rate in women has more than doubled over the past 38 years.
More people die of lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined
Average 5-year survival rate for lung cancer overall is 17%
Average 5-year survival rate with early detection (at STAGE 1) is more than 90%
Exposure to radon and other chemicals in the environment can also cause lung cancer.

The American Lung Association has been infused with new energy thanks to the LUNGFORCE campaign. Their goals – Raise Awareness. Educate. Empower. Raise Funds. Reverse the Course of Lung Cancer.

LungForce Boston Expo – I recently attended the LUNGFORCE Boston Expo to hear medical providers give information about statistics, prevention, screening and treatment. Patients shared their stories about what it is lung to have lung cancer and go through treatment. There, I met people living beyond their prognosis; living and thriving.

Ways You Can Get Involved and Help Support Lung Health –

Fight-for-Life Climb. February 4, 2017 Boston.
LungForce Runs/Walks. May 11, 2017 Boston. June 10 Providence, Rhode Island.
Join the Force!

Lahey Healthcare offers FREE screeningg for those at risk of lung cancer. Contact them to see if you qualify for free screening. Other hospitals also have lung cancer CT screening programs. Ask your doctor about screening if you think you may be at risk for lung cancer.

Risks for lung cancer (from Mayo Clinic) –

Smoking. (Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked.)
Exposure to secondhand smoke.
Exposure to radon gas.
Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
Family history of lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lung cancer screening, who should be screened and pros/cons.

Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer (from the American Cancer Society) –

A cough that does not go away or gets worse
Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
Hoarseness
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
Shortness of breath
Feeling tired or weak
Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
New onset of wheezing

** Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these signs and symptoms.

Prevention, early detection and treatment saves lives!

Stopping Smoking is the # 1 way to prevent lung cancer and other lung disease.

Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and death from cancer. Besides lung cancer, smoking causes cancers of the esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon, and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

Screening is NOT a Substitute for Quitting Smoking. If you smoke …., the bottom line is STOP. Stopping smoking can be difficult, but because of the many potential ill effects and high correlation with lung and other cancers, it is the #1 best way to improve your health. An integrative, collaborative, comprehensive approach can help improve outcomes.

Talk to your doctor about prevention and screening for lung cancer and other lung diseases. Ask your doctor for assistance with stopping smoking.

Worst thing I ever did for my health was to start smoking as a teenager. Best thing I ever did for my health …. STOP Smoking. I am 19 years HAPPY and PROUD to be Smoke-FREE. -KP

Contact me for free consultation and further information to help you stopping smoking. Or, log onto the American Lung Association.

Enjoy the Breath of Life, Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

Sources and More Information –