November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Know your risk factors, be able to identify symptoms, and get tips to reduce your risk.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Women or men who:
- Smoke not or have a history of heavy smoking – even if they quit years ago.
- Have been heavily exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Have been exposed to indoor or outdoor air pollution.
- Have had jobs that exposed them to radiation.
- Have been exposed to certain toxic substances, such as arsenic, radon or asbestos.
- Have a personal or family histories of lung cancer
Symptoms:
In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. As lung cancer progresses these symptoms may occur:
- A cough that does not go away
- Coughing up blood
- Constant chest pain
- Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis
- Weight loss & loss of appetite
- Hoarseness lasting a long time
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired all of the time
Reduce Your Risk
- Never smoke. If you do, quit.
- Stay away from secondhand smoke
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
- Don’t rely on supplements: beta-carotene supplements increase risk of lung cancer
- Make your home & community smoke-free
Please contact Althea Moser at amoser@highlands.edu for further information. This wellness initiative is courtesy of the Dept. of Kinesiology and Wellness, the Faculty Grant Scholarship, & the Prevent Cancer Foundation©