If you’re looking for something cheerful, you will want to click away right now. In light of the news about my mother yesterday, I’ve done a lot of reading about lung cancer today. I read some things I already knew, but I did learn a few things, too. Sorry, but it’s very depressing.
1. Because lung cancer metastasizes quickly, it is one of the most difficult cancers to treat.
2. Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer deaths in both men and women throughout the world.
3. Almost 70% of people diagnosed with the condition are over 65 years of age, while less than 3% of cases occur in people under age 45. (My mom is exactly 65 years old.)
4. Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer in causing the most cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. (This surprised me.)
5. Ninety percent of lung cancers are a result of cigarette smoking.
6. Among people who smoke, 1 in 7 will die of lung cancer.
7. When a person quits smoking, his/her risk of cancer DECREASES each year as normal cells replace damaged cells in the lung. (I’m glad my mom quit – wish it had been sooner.)
8. Nonsmokers who live with smokers have a 24% higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who don’t live with smokers. (I grew up in a smoker’s home.)
9. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer.
10. Radon gas, a decay product of Uranium that occurs at dangerous levels in 1 out of every 15 homes in the U. S., can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
11. One percent of lung cancer is attributed to pollution.
12. Twenty-five percent of lung cancer is first diagnosed from a routine chest x-ray or CT scan. (Like my mom.)
13. Persistent or chronic coughing and breathing difficulties are often the first symptom of lung cancer. (Like my mom.)
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, there are several experimental treatments being developed. I feel blessed to live near the best cancer hospital in the country, M. D. Anderson.
1. Because lung cancer metastasizes quickly, it is one of the most difficult cancers to treat.
2. Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer deaths in both men and women throughout the world.
3. Almost 70% of people diagnosed with the condition are over 65 years of age, while less than 3% of cases occur in people under age 45. (My mom is exactly 65 years old.)
4. Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer in causing the most cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. (This surprised me.)
5. Ninety percent of lung cancers are a result of cigarette smoking.
6. Among people who smoke, 1 in 7 will die of lung cancer.
7. When a person quits smoking, his/her risk of cancer DECREASES each year as normal cells replace damaged cells in the lung. (I’m glad my mom quit – wish it had been sooner.)
8. Nonsmokers who live with smokers have a 24% higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who don’t live with smokers. (I grew up in a smoker’s home.)
9. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer.
10. Radon gas, a decay product of Uranium that occurs at dangerous levels in 1 out of every 15 homes in the U. S., can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
11. One percent of lung cancer is attributed to pollution.
12. Twenty-five percent of lung cancer is first diagnosed from a routine chest x-ray or CT scan. (Like my mom.)
13. Persistent or chronic coughing and breathing difficulties are often the first symptom of lung cancer. (Like my mom.)
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, there are several experimental treatments being developed. I feel blessed to live near the best cancer hospital in the country, M. D. Anderson.
Information on lung cancer from Medicinet
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's diagnosis. And thank you for posting these facts about smoking. I wish I could say something meaningful that would help, but I'm at a loss for words.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your mom. That is so sad. LIke Sue, I do not even have the words to encourage you right now.
ReplyDeletewow! I hope your mom is doing ok with all the treatments and evrything.
ReplyDeletewhat a very informative list.
Thursday13
8. Nonsmokers who live with smokers have a 24% higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who don’t live with smokers. (I grew up in a smoker’s home.)
ReplyDeleteCan I say Happy TT...and yes secondhand smoke kills. I work for the PADOH...I'm a Director of Marketing and one of my bigger Program is the Tobacco Cessation Program...I've learned so much about smoking and work hard everyday to help inform residents of states and materials to help them quit smoking.
I quit smoking when I was 7 months pregnant with brandi. Cold turkey. Just woke up one day and decided I had had enough. I am now working on getting my hubby to quit. I do not allow him to smoke in the house, so my kids are hopefully not too exposed anymore.
ReplyDeleteScary stuff. You and your family are in my prayers.
(((hugs)))
Unfortunately my mother was one of the statistics, she started smoking at 32 years old and passed away at 66. Primary lung cancer, secondary brain tumor. I have heard of people cured though.... much will depend on the type of cancer it is. Having a positive spirit helps too! All the best to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs Sherrie
These are staggering statistics Diane. My husband smokes and is having a chronic cough.The dr. wants him to see a pulmonologist. I was scared but after reading the last # here, I am really worried.
ReplyDeleteI will let u know.
hang in there sweetie and think Positive thoughts. I believe so much in the power of positive thinking. xoxo
Education on the subject is our best defense.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your mother! I hope she gets a speedy recovery and a clean bill of health.
ReplyDeleteI'm still surprised at number 4 though. I've always assumed breast cancer was the undisputed number one when it came to women.
~ Popin
There are no words, only prayers, and the best of wishes.
ReplyDeleteSJR
The Pink Flamingo
Dont give up hope. My Mom was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 4 a year ago Mothers Day. She has been in remission a whole year as of last October. Chemo is tough and it was hard to see her go thru it but Lung Cancer doesnt have to be a death sentence. Be there for your Mom and tell her every day you love her. Thats all you can do...oh ya, and dont forget to pray. Happy TT. God bless.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that. This was an informative post.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Cancer runs in my family too, and I wasn't born with good health.
ReplyDeleteI work hard at staying healthy, and it really annoys me sometimes that smokers seem so careless with their own health and the health of the people around them.
I wish more people would educate themselves about the dangers of smoking and recognize that it's a very *real* threat.
I hope your mother gets better.
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother.
ReplyDeleteInteresting facts I havent smoked since I was 25 but it still scares me to think about the harm Ive done.
ReplyDeleteIm so sorry your going though this. You and your mom are in my thoughts
said a prayer for your mom and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteLiza
Please keep us updated. I have prayed for your mom.
ReplyDelete#4 really surprised me as well.
Both of my step parents smoked. In our home. In the car. In my face. Yeah, I'm scared.
You're right that it's depressing, but it's also informative and people need to know hoe serious it is. My great grandpa died from it - not a pretty disease. I will keep your mom and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I know exactly what you are going through.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has been battling lung cancer for the last 2 years. It's a long, difficult journey.
I blog about her battle at www.strongerthancancer.blogspot.com
If you need anything, thoughts, ideas, tips, etc, email please.
(((hugs)))
And best of luck to you and your momma.
ReplyDeleteThese statistics are scary but I will pray that your mum responds to treatmeemt and can fight this.
ReplyDeleteMy aunty has had lung cancer twice and each time has had treatment successfully so I will pray that your mum too responds well to treatment.