Cancer is one of the most feared diseases by everyone. Did you know that lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men in Indonesia?
Lung cancer is a condition in which the tissue cells in the lung grow extremely fast and cause tumors to form. According to WHO, lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer. This is due to the importance of lung function as a function of breathing and distributing oxygen throughout the body. According to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2012, in Indonesia there were 25,322 cases of lung cancer in men and 9,374 in women.
Some of the characteristics and symptoms of lung cancer in general include:
- Cough that doesn't go away. Coughing is common due to fever or choking. However, if after the fever is gone and the cough has not healed, you should consult a doctor.
- Hard to breathe. This difficulty breathing is caused by a tumor blocking the airways or fluid around the lungs increasing so that it presses on your lungs.
- Pain in Chest. Certain types of lung cancer that occur on the outside of the lung and chest wall can cause pain. Not only pain in the chest, but also in the shoulders and back.
- Voice changed. The voice will turn hoarse when you have a fever or when you just wake up. Usually the sound will also tend to be heavier.
- Weight loss Lung cancer sufferers often lose weight in a short time due to cancer cells using up all the energy and nutrients.
- Bone pain. Advanced lung cancer causes pain in the bones and is usually concentrated in the back, shoulders, arms or neck. The pain is often worse when resting and at night.
- Headache that doesn't go away. The most dangerous pain from lung cancer is a headache. This indicates that the cancer has spread from the lungs to the brain.
If you experience some of the symptoms mentioned above, immediately go to the hospital. So that you can quickly find out what disease you are experiencing and can be given the right treatment right away. For those of you who have been diagnosed with lung cancer by a doctor, start living a healthy lifestyle. Like starting to exercise, consuming healthy food, and also avoiding smoking.
*summarized from various sources*