People die in all sorts of ways. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the top ten causes of death. That’s because the majority of deaths in the world (>50%) are attributed to the top ten causes. By understanding the top ten causes of death and how to avoid them, you can stack the odds in your favor for living a longer than average life.
Heads up: This article was commissioned as a part of the Adam Rush Project. It was an experiment I did a few years ago to see if having books written by ghostwriters would be commercially viable. It wasn't. That said, the following article was written by someone else and not yet edited to my standards. I hope to find time to rewrite it myself in the future, but for now, read with caution.
Disclaimer: I wish I could tell you that I’m a doctor, but I can’t. I’m just an inquisitive author with a background in science and a love for practical research. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you want medical advice, ask a real doctor.
What are Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancers?
Lung cancer can arise from any part of the lungs. In most cases (90 to 95%), it starts from the epithelial cells which line the smaller and larger airways. That is why lung cancers are sometimes called bronchogenic carcinomas or bronchogenic cancers. In a few cases, lung cancer can arise from the lining of the trachea and even blood vessels in the lungs.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), this kind of cancer has the highest mortality rate in both women and men throughout the world. The ACS estimates that in 2016, 224,000 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in the United States. In the same year, 158,000 died from it. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts that around 6.5% of people will be diagnosed with this kind of cancer during their lives. It is more predominant in the older demographic, as 70% of people diagnosed are over the age of 65.
The incidence of this type of cancer is strongly correlated with tobacco use. Most smokers don’t know that tobacco contains more than 7,000 carcinogenic compounds. Secondhand smoke is also another established risk factor for lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to asbestos, radon gas, genetic predisposition, and having other lung diseases like COPD.
How to avoid Dying from Lung Cancer
Although there is no sure way of preventing lung cancer (and the related trachea and bronchus cancers), you can substantially reduce the risk in the following ways:
Avoid smoking
As with COPD, a significant risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. Don’t smoke and also avoid secondhand smoke.
Have radon levels at your home checked
Have you checked for radon in your home? It is especially important if you live in an area where radon gas is known to be a problem. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from uranium in the soil. It is colorless and odorless, so it goes undetected in many homes. Radon causes an estimated 15,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.
Avoid exposure to carcinogens while at work
Like with COPD, workplace carcinogens in the air can also cause lung cancer. Always follow safety guidelines given by your employer when working at a location where carcinogens are a risk.
Eat a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits
A diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits may reduce your risk of developing cancer. You may be tempted to get your nutrients from pills, but some studies have shown that pills may be ineffective. Get your nutrients from whole foods whenever possible.
Adopt a daily exercise regimen
Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will help keep your lungs in proper working condition. It is especially important if you have quit smoking and are trying to keep your lungs healthy.
Look out for early symptoms of lung cancer
You have a higher chance of surviving cancer if you find it early before it spreads. Some symptoms of lung cancer include:
- a cough that lingers despite treatment
- coughing up blood
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- constricted, blocked and inflamed airway causing wheezing
- an abnormal, raspy or hoarse voice
- a significant unexplained drop in weight
- bone pain
- constant migraine headaches
Although these symptoms may indicate other diseases that are less dangerous, it is better to visit the doctor early to rule out the possibility of cancer.