November 17, 2017 at 4:29 p.m.

Five truths about lung cancer

Five truths about lung cancer
Five truths about lung cancer

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month - a month to bring awareness to a disease that claims the lives of 1.6 million people annually, according to the World Health Organization.

"Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in both men and women, and the disease causes more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined," Tammery Perry, APNP, of Rhinelander's James Beck Cancer Center at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital, said in a press release.

Lung cancer is a complex disease to understand and treat. Here are five truths about lung cancer from the American Lung Association:

1. Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs change, or mutate. Lung cancer occurs when a person has abnormal cells that cluster together to form a tumor. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells grow without order or control, and cancerous cells destroy the healthy lung tissue around them. When cancer cells grow too fast, they prevent organs of the body from functioning normally.

2. Anyone can get lung cancer. Various factors can cause the mutation of cells that leads to lung cancer. Most often, this change in lung cells happens when a person is exposed to dangerous, toxic substances, such as tobacco smoke, radon, pollution, or industrial compounds like dust and fumes.

3. Symptoms of lung cancer vary. Many people who have lung cancer don't experience symptoms until the disease is in later stages. Symptoms of lung cancer include constant chest pain, a cough that doesn't go away, hoarseness, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and frequent lung infections.

4. Lung cancer is difficult to detect early. One reason lung cancer is so deadly is that it's hard to find in the early stages. It can take years for the cancer to grow and there are usually no early symptoms. Because there are very few nerve endings in the lungs, a tumor can grow without causing pain or discomfort. By the time a person begins experiencing symptoms, the cancer has often spread to other parts of the body.

5. Lung cancer can be treated more successfully when it is found early. Researchers continue to work on developing tests that can find lung cancer in its early stages. New studies have shown that low-dose CT screenings (LDCT) are particularly important for high-risk individuals.

Early detection of any cancer or disease is critical, especially for those at high risk. A lung cancer screening program is available at Ascension Saint Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander.

Collaborating with the James Beck Cancer Center, Ascension Saint Mary's is a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer, the release states.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans and appropriate follow-up care significantly reduces lung cancer deaths.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Medicare, Medicaid and most Commercial Insurance companies offer coverage to those patients that meet the appropriate qualifying guidelines for the screening. For some insurance, a preauthorization may be required.

"This screening will save lives," the release states. "If you or someone you know falls into this category, it is important to consider participating in this screening program."

For more information, contact the James Beck Cancer Center at 715-361-2143.

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