- Image via Wikipedia
Worldwide, over 1.5 million deaths related to lung cancer occur every year, with more than 500,000 persons in treatment or remission. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, with tobacco smoking being the major contributing factor to its cause. While lung cancer can be detected in its early stage, most cases are not detected until they have reached the fatal stage. In the US alone, every year, over $15 billion is spent on healthcare for lung cancer. Early stages of cancer can be treated with medications, but advanced stages may need chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cancer treatments do not heal but they do suppress dangerous symptoms and prevent spread and further damage to the body.
Giving up tobacco smoking gives a good chance of avoiding lung cancer. Research has proven that people who have given up tobacco smoking before the age of 30 have normalized the ill effects of tobacco carcinogens within a few years. Routine exercise, preferably brisk walking everyday will stimulate blood circulation in the body, which helps the lungs to naturally fight and clear up toxic substances present in it. Recently, a study indicated that eating different types of green vegetables lowers cancer risk in smokers. A routine green diet gives many overall advantages to the body functioning.
Nicotine in small amounts, though considered safe, is an addictive substance, which can cause withdrawal symptoms when attempting to give up after a long period of use. Some withdrawal symptoms must be psychologically overcome, while the biological ones can be addressed through medical help. The drug Clonidine can help address the cravings and insomnia, which overwhelms the addict when giving up addiction. Nicotine gums and patches are available at pharmacies. Electronic cigarettes are battery operated technological gadgets, which contain the essential nicotine solution that atomizes upon inhalation. They avoid combustion of tobacco and thereby eliminate inhalation of toxic chemicals into the lungs.
