November, the Lung cancer awareness

NOVEMBER, THE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Do you know that one in every six deaths in the world is caused by cancer? Thus, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with the first being cardiovascular diseases. It was reported in 2017 that various forms of cancer kill about 9.6 million people.

However, one of the leading cancer killers in both women and men is lung cancer. Before 1987, breast cancer used to be a leading cause of cancer death in women, but lung cancer has taken the lead now. Considering the high death rate of this crazy killer, it is essential to create global awareness. This awareness will help more people know about the killer — lung cancer; hence, do all that’s necessary to avoid it. This is one of the best ways to reduce the number of people with the illness. Thus,

November of every year has been chosen to be the lung cancer awareness month. In the spirit of this awareness, there are certain things you need to know about lung cancer.

FIRSTLY, HOW CAN YOU KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE LUNG CANCER?

COUGH THAT REFUSES TO GO

A casual cough caused by a cold or respiratory infection should disappear in less than two weeks. On the other hand, if you begin to witness a persistent cough that lingers for weeks, that may be a symptom of lung cancer. Whether the cough is dry or produces mucus, you shouldn’t ignore it when it becomes persistent. You should see your doctor as quickly as possible. If you do, your doctor will run the necessary tests to know if the cough is a symptom of lung cancer or other illnesses.

CHANGE IN A COUGH

You should pay attention to your cough, especially when you smoke. Some of the things you should check include consistent coughing, a deeper cough that sounds hoarse, you’re coughing out excess mucus, or you’re coughing out blood. When you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to check on your doctor.

CHANGES IN BREATH

Do you find it difficult to breathe after performing some tasks you find easy to do before? Then, you may want

to book an appointment with your doctor. Such a task may include climbing stairs, slight jigging, or running, among others. Shortness of breath with such an easy task may be a possible symptom of cancer. What happens is that lung cancer may narrow or block an airway. Thus, resulting in shortness in breathing. Fluids from a lung tumor can also build up in the chest, resulting in shortness of breath. Therefore, when you begin to notice a change in your breathing, don’t ignore it; see a doctor.

PAIN IN THE CHEST

Pain in the chest, back, or shoulders may also be an indication of lung cancer. It doesn’t matter whether the pain is dull, sharp, intermittent, or intense; if you notice a sudden chest pain that becomes persistent, you should go straight to your doctor.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight loss can be a symptom of many illnesses, and lung cancer is not excluded. When you notice a significant reduction in your weight up to 10 pounds or more, you need to see a doctor. It may be a symptom of lung cancer or other forms of cancer. Weight loss is common in cancer patients because the cancer cells tend to use up the body’s energy. Thus, you shouldn’t ignore a significant reduction in your weight, especially if you are not actively engaged in activities to intentionally lose weight. Such weight loss may be a change in your health, and you should pay attention to it.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LUNG CANCER? SMOKING

Do you know that over 70% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking? That’s right. Smoking cigarettes is one of the leading causes of lung cancers. If you smoke over 25 cigarettes a day, you’re 25 times more prone to having lung cancer than an average person who doesn’t smoke. There are about 60 different carcinogenic substances in tobacco smoke. Carcinogenic substances are cancer-producing substances. Therefore, to avoid having lung cancer, shun smoking.

RADON

Radon is a radioactive gas that exists naturally. It is obtained from tiny amounts of uranium present in all soils and rocks. Sometimes, it can also be found in buildings. If you breathe in radon, you may be exposed to lung cancer.

EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CHEMICALS

Some chemicals are carcinogenic, and when you’re exposed to them, you may have lung cancer. Among these chemicals are arsenic, beryllium, asbestos, cadmium, silica, coal and coke fumes, and nickel.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT LUNG CANCER?

• Avoid taking tobacco • Avoid Radon exposure • Stay away from carcinogenic substances • Eat healthy diets, including fruits and vegetables.

Now that you know what lung cancer is, its causes, symptoms, and preventions, you know how to protect yourself from the deadly illness. Thus, in the spirit of lung cancer awareness, you should also create awareness to educate others in your environment to have a cancer-free world.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer/earlysigns#weight-loss https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-diseaselookup/lung-cancer/resource-library/lung-cancer-factsheet https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/causes/ https://amp.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risksprevention/prevention.html

HOME OWNERSHIP by Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA

Home ownership brings stability to individuals and families who have never had a dwelling place that they could call their own. There is something special about owning real estate that is unlike anything else on earth you can own.

Real Estate you own is not like cars that decay over time and you have to replace them. Real Estate you own is not like clothes that go out of style and you have to buy new ones. Real Estate you own is not like expensive vacations or experiences that only last a moment in time. Real Estate you own is not like an apartment where the landlord may increase the rent until it’s no longer affordable. Real Estate you own is not like staying at your parents house where you know can’t stay forever.

Home ownership is the beginning of wealth that increases over time and becomes your estate & legacy Home ownership is the pride of a mother nurturer and the kitchen her domain Home ownership is the pride of a father provider and protector of his territory and family. Home ownership is the foundation of permanence and the place where life happens, birthdays celebrated, deaths mourned.

Home ownership is the place you build memories that can never be taken from you. Memories etched in walls and concrete, experienced in rooms and floors, Memories living in trees and shrubs planted by your hand. Howe ownership is the manifestation of you - your style, your colors, your smell, your stuff, your junk, your memories, your yard and your spaces, your life.

It’s the height markers on your first child’s bedroom wall. It’s the hearts drawn in the concrete slabs when you pour your patio floor It’s the birthday parties, and anniversaries in the living room and kitchen. It’s the back yard barbecue with friends, neighbors and family contentions it’s the high school and college graduation, and wedding receptions Its’ the family nights and block parties and the fellowship of family connections

Home ownership

It’s more than real estate. Land, brick and mortar, wood frame construction and chicken wire. It’s more than money saved, gifts recieved and grants obtained It’s more than the debt you incur to buy it. It’s more than the payments you make to own it. It’s more than the appreciation that comes with keeping it over time. It’s memories, it’s family, and it’s life that can happen in one place

Until you say it’s time to move.