Simple Facts of Smoking - Lung Cancer

Built-up in the body over a long period of time, smoking caused cancers have distinct stages that peak in smokers between the ages of 55 years and 65 years old. Smoking causes almost immediate changes within the lungs, shortly after they have come into contact with carcinogenic chemicals (chemicals that cause cancer). Soon after their first exposure, abnormal cells begin to appear within the main breathing tubes. These cells are accelerated in growth through the continued exposure to these dangerous chemical substances (caused through smoking). Some of these cells will become cancerous and others will form into small tumors.

There are two Main Types of Lung Cancer

The first is Non-Small Cell Cancer that consists of three different types: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Ademocarcinoma and Large Cell Carcinoma.

The second is Small Cell Cancer, also referred to as (Oat Cell Cancer). This is a faster spreading cancer than the Non-Small Cell type and is usually contributed to over 20% of all lung cancer cases.

Key Facts about Lung Cancer

1. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with more than 1.8 million cases diagnosed every year.

2. The highest rate of detection for men is in Central and Eastern Europe, while for women the highest rate of detection is in North America. The lowest rate of detection can be found within the Middle African Countries.

3. It is the second most diagnosed cancer in men after prostate cancer, with around 215,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the USA, and around 25,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the United Kingdom.

4. Of the 215,000 new cases which are diagnosed every year in the USA, around 85% will die within the first five years of diagnoses.

5. Current or former cigarette smokers make up for over 80% of all lung cancer deaths in both men and women over the age of 55 years, and is on the rise.

6. Smoking is the cause of over 25% of all cancer deaths in the world, with over 32% of deaths occurring in men, and 25% in women.

7. Every year a higher percentage of men are diagnosed with lung cancer than women.

8. A man who smokes up to two packets of cigarettes a day, has more than 25 times higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than a non-smoker.

9. Cancers mortality rate can be heavily reduced through its early detection and treatment.

10. It is never to late to stop smoking as within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette the bodies organs begin to benefit.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, 'Proofreading, and Website Design." Philip's business also offers an extensive selection of professionally written e-books. If you are interested in reading more about how smoking can damage your bodies organs, or if you are having problems quitting smoking, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/stop-smoking

Lung Cancer From Asbestos: Important Facts to Know and How to Cope With the Problem

What are asbestos? Asbestos are mineral fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. These minerals have been used widely in many industries. Chemically, asbestos are silicate compound of silicon and oxygen atoms in their molecular structure. The building and construction industries use asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industries insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes with these minerals. For their vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads, the automotive industry makes use of these fibers. Asbestos materials are also used in ceiling and floor tiles paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics and many others.

In recent years, due to widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, domestic consumption had significantly dropped. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, studies show that constant exposure to asbestos caused an increase in asbestosis syndrome, mesothelioma, gastrointestinal, colorectal cancers and other diseases. Early stage asbestos lung cancer is hard to detect because of lack of apparent symptoms. It usually begins in the bronchial lining or the bronchioles, lung air sacs and trachea. The cancer develops slowly but can spread and invade other parts of the body.

Like any other type of lung cancer, the diagnostic tests include physical exams, x-rays, ct scans, imaging tests, PET scan and biopsies. During the diagnostic procedures, you should provide the medical team with vital and relevant information on the extent of asbestos exposure. Factors such as how long has been the exposure, estimated volume of exposure, source, size, shape and chemical make- up of asbestos fibers, whether you are a smoker or non-smoker and current lung problem are important things your doctors should be aware of. With regards its chemical make-up, studies have suggested that if the exposure is with the amphibole asbestos rather than the chrysotile, the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma lung cancer is greater because of the tendency of the amphibole fibers to lodge in the lungs for a long time.

Asbestosis is a disease in which asbestos fibers can cause scarring, inflammation of tissues and growth of non-malignant tumors in the lungs. They are benign and do not spread to the other organs. On the other hand, with mesothelioma, the growth of tumors that occurs in the serious thin membrane linings are malignant and they grow fast and spread to the other organs. When it occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. It is a rare type of lung cancer. You can detect it by x-rays and confirm by biopsy test. Traditional treatments recommended by a medical team depending on individual evaluation include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Prognosticating mesothelioma reveal serious mortality rates. Factors which affect prognosis are area of cancer, stage, histology, patient's general health, age and response to treatment. Survival rate for patients with high level of white cell counts, presence of SV40 virus and certain biochemical markers from date of diagnosis is only a few months. The median life expectancy rate is about a year.

There are still many work environments and trades in which people are constantly exposed to asbestos. You may belong to any of these groups. Some of them are operational engineers, steamfitters, sheet metal workers, pipe fitters, plumbers, metal lathers, merchant marine, firefighters, shipyard workers, industrial plant workers, plumbers, construction workers, asbestos plant workers, boilers, longshoremen, railroad workers, industrial painters, workers in glass factory, schools, power plants, cement plants, military, hotels, telephone companies, oil refinery, loading docks, hospitals, chemical plants, heating and air-conditioning, boiler or engine rooms, etc.

If you happen to believe having a prolonged exposure to asbestos and are experiencing abnormalities, it is to your best interest to undergo a comprehensive physical exam. You should have a complete x-ray of the front, back, side, and oblique views. Other tests are pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan, etc. Request your doctors to explain to you what the tests reveal. It you are diagnosed with a lung cancer from asbestos, have the courage to face it frontally and disclose your condition to your loved ones. Ask for their support and prayers. Seek a second opinion. Lastly, pray for supernatural healing!

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about lung cancer info. Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

Mesothelioma Facts and Info

Mesothelioma cancer is caused by the inhalation, or swallowing, of asbestos. Nearly 3,000 people are stricken with this disease each year. It is most commonly obtained through exposure on work sites such as those involving old buildings, roofing, or any job that requires handling vast amounts of steel and iron.

Asbestos was once considered an instant solution to projects which required the use of binding materials. It was inexpensive, easy to make, and readily available. Asbestos is a naturally- found fiber. The fragments are so small that the human eye cannot see them, and they have no smell or taste, so it is difficult to tell if you have been exposed to these fibers. They build up in the body, and do not cause problems right away. In some cases, it can take decades for the damage from asbestos to be noticed in the body.

As dangerous a resource that asbestos is, it has yet to be banned in the United States, although many people believe it is. Due to this fact, numerous people have been needlessly exposed to asbestos. In addition, they do not even realize it until the damage is irreversible.

When working with asbestos, it is wise to use protection, such as a breathing mask, to prevent one from inhaling these fibers. If you are working with this product also wear gloves and refrain from touching your mouth or the interior of your nostrils.

If for some reason you are in contact with asbestos and proper protection cannot be provided, do not handle the material. It would be wise for you use machinery, rather than your hands. The further you can stay away from any material containing asbestos, the better. Its fiber strands are extremely small and this toxin stays airborne for a period, much like dust.

Mesothelioma cancer occurs in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of cells that surrounds several organs of the chest, abdomen, and heart. The mesothelium serves our bodies as a spacer between the various organs and reduces friction with fluid.

This particular cancer is quiet aggressive. Often the victim does not realize they have it until the cancer is already in its later stages of development. Luckily, with the advances in modern day medicine, mesothelioma can be diagnosed at an earlier stage of its progression and treatments can be started in order to enhance your chances of survival and increase your life expectancy.

If you think you might have mesothelioma, you should see your doctor immediately and speak with him or her about your symptoms. Working with a doctor, as with all illness and disease, will greatly increase your chances of surviving mesothelioma.

If you do have mesothelioma, you may want to consider contacting a lawyer about the circumstances during which you contracted this frightening cancer. As in many cases of cancer, your illness probably could have been prevented. When this is the case, someone should be held responsible.