Lung Cancer Prevention

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Breathe Easier – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

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.

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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 – 

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.

Continue reading →

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A Reason to Go Over the Bridge – LungForce Expo November 1st in Newton

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Attend the LungForce Expo and learn more about lung cancer, COPD, asthma and other respiratory issues, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Tuesday. November 1st.                        Boston Marriott Newton.  2345 Commonwealth Avenue. Newton, MA.                       For patients, care givers and health professionals. 

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Lung Cancer Statistics  –

  • Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
  • 1 out of 4 Cancer Deaths are from lung cancer.
  • More people die each year from lung cancer than colon, prostate and breast cancer combined
  • The rate of lung cancer in men has dropped 32% for men, but risen 94% for women

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Can Save Lives.

  • 5 year survival rate for lung cancer is 55% when detected early (localized to the lung.)

Lung Cancer DTW FB

Decrease Risk Factors –

  • Stop Smoking (Best thing you can do is ‘never start.’ )
  • Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
  • Avoid exposure to radon* and other chemicals
  • Eat healthy, balanced meals with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly. (Ask your doctor for recommendations.)

*Have your home tested for radon – Contact your local public health department or the American Lung Society for information on radon testing. More information on Radon Here.

‘Stop Smoking’ Today!  Help is Available – Tobacco use and nicotine addiction is complex. Stopping smoking may require a comprehensive, collaborative approach.

Stopping Smoking is the Single Most Important Step you can take to improve their longevity and quality of life.

The GOOD News – The minute you stop smoking, your health begins to improve.                    Help and support are available for those that want to stop smoking.

Ask Your Physician – about your lung health, prevention of disease, screening, diagnosis, treatment and recommendations to stop smoking. If you have lung disease or have undergone lung surgery, ask about Pulmonary Rehabilitation.**

Dreamtime Wellness™ – Offers Smoking Cessation Programs. Ask about our programs and Free Consultation. 

See you at the LungForce Expo!

Enjoy the Breath of Life, and a Healthier You,    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 – 

 

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NON-Smokers Get Lung Cancer Too – Know the Risks

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Lung Cancer Affects Non-Smokers as Well as Smokers

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80% of the cases of lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking cigarettes; that leaves 20% not linked to smoking.

Cigarette Smoking Remains the # 1 Cause of Lung Cancer. 

Smoking is the #1 Cause of PREVENTABLE Death. 

STOP SMOKING

STOP SMOKING

  • Risks by Gender – While the risk of lung cancer deaths are higher in men that smoke (85%) than woman that smoke (70%), the risks for Lung Cancers in NON-Smokers is higher for women (20%) than men (8%.)

According to a report by the American Cancer Society (written by Stacey Simon,October 30th 2015,) “as many as 20% of the people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year do not smoke or use any other form of tobacco.”

Some Risk Factors for Lung Cancer in NON-Smokers – 

  • Radon gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers is radon gas. Like carbon monoxide, radon gas is odorless and colorless, and can’t be seen or smelled. You can easily test your home for radon.
  • Secondhand smoke.
  • Cancer-causing agents at work. (Eg. asbestos, chromium, diesel exhaust, and more.)
  • Air pollution.

Air pollution

  • Gene mutation –

Gene 400px-DNA_Double_Helix

According to the American Cancer Society –

Talk to your doctor about risks of lung cancer, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

Sources and For More Information – 

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis and Treatment Saves Lives. Talk to your doctor about your risks, prevention, diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. If you are ‘at risk’ for lung cancer, ask your doctor about available screening tests.

If you smoke, Stop Now. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation. Feel free to contact me for information. Stay tuned for more information on lung cancer and smoking cessation to be posted in the coming days.

Awareness is power. For better health, take an active role in your healthcare.   ~ Karen 

 

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & 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.