Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer – The Facts
While its development is typically linked to smoking, lung cancer can strike non-smokers as well. The surprise diagnosis of Dana Reeve, wife of actor Christopher Reeve, was a high-profile example that put a public face on the incidences of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Lung cancer forms when cells in the lungs grow abnormally and form into malignant tumors. It can develop in one or both lungs, and can be isolated to the lungs or spread to other areas of the body.

Causes
Smoking is indeed the number one cause of lung cancer. People exposed to secondhand smoke, such as people married to smokers or who socialize in places where individuals congregate to smoke (bars, etc.) are also vulnerable—anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 people each year are diagnosed with lung cancer that developed as a direct result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

If one or more person in your family has been diagnosed with lung cancer, genetics may play a role and you may be at increased risk. People over the age of 65 and anyone diagnosed with a lung disease, such as tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment
It is difficult to catch lung cancer in its early stages, and when it is uncovered, it is usually in its advanced stages. Diagnosis of lung cancer doesn’t need to be a death sentence, however. In addition to conventional medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery, there are several non-traditional approaches that may help. Consider adding these supplements to your cancer-fighting regimen:

Deguelin. This plant extract may prevent the growth of precancerous and cancer cells in the lungs without affecting the surrounding healthy cells, according to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Vitamin D. This vitamin possibly helps prevent enzymes from stimulating cancer cell development.

Green Tea. The phytochemicals in green tea can cut of the energy sources that feed cancerous cells.

Parsley. This herb has enzyme-fighting properties that prevent the spread of cancer.

If you have lung cancer, don’t give up hope! As the above article indicates, there are many ways to increase your possibility of a positive outcome.