Lung cancer in nonsmokers

Increasingly, I am in case of non-smokers who become ill with lung cancer. My attention is always the news of this type, because my husband died at the age of 51 years pulled from cancer of the brain and lungs. Never smoked a day in his life.

The self-non-smokers have shared over the years is no longer an option. Smokers and non smokers are also susceptible to a disease that is incurable, mainly. Among patients with this problem, only about 14% of the population five yearsafter diagnosis.

Like a disease that seems to have neither rhyme nor reason to what we can do to protect us? First, assess the risk for this cancer, and then take measures to prevent the disease.

What are the risk factors for this type of cancer?

Gender: Unfortunately, women seem more susceptible to this disease. Research has shown that smokers are more vulnerable to carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarettes. In another study, aGene associated with the growth of abnormal cells in the lung was found to be more active in women than in men. No matter if the woman smoked.

A family history of lung cancer: evidence that a gene that predisposes offspring to develop lung cancer. However, the evidence is far from conclusive, since the situation is complicated by the fact that it was the offspring of smokers were exposed to an environment of smoke from an early age and thus have an increased risk ofThe development of the disease.

Scars from previous lung disease: scarring of the lungs caused by tuberculosis or other lung diseases may be caused by a risk factor for this form of lung disease.

Environmental tobacco smoke: exposure to ETS has been shown that a particular risk factor. The risk increases by 30 per cent of the daily exposure to second hand smoke. This is probably the most important risk factor for lung cancer in nonsmokers.

Exposure to Radon: Radon is an odorless gas whenleaching from the soil into the building. Even worse, the gas can be absorbed from the soil into the water near the residential communities. Radon is involved as a possible cause of lung cancer.

Air pollution: Prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the risk of lung cancer by 47%. Air pollution is usually a risk factor for the general population. Swedish researchers estimate that can be up to 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer from air pollution in the Swedish capital has causedCity of Stockholm.

After Cancer Treatment: Researchers in Sweden who looked at medical records of 140,000 patients with breast cancer found that lung cancer is increased by 5 to 20 years after treatment of breast cancer. The suspicion is that the radiation in the area of the chest can have the lungs more susceptible to disease.

Estrogen replacement therapy: According to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, estrogen can fuel the growth of tumors in non-small cellLung.

What precautions can we take?

Nutrition: an apple a day may ward off the disease. A Finnish study suggests that apples not only keep away the doctors, but a protection for the lungs as well. This study has shown that people who ate apples a maximum of 58% less likely that this form of cancer have been developed. Other studies suggest that this is the lowest risk of cancer in smokers and non-smoking, eating at least 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables.

Beta-carotene: A highThe intake of beta-carotene connections, you can reduce your risk of cancer, but studies show that beta-carotene is only effective if the connections of whole grain foods, like peaches, melons, carrots, mangoes, dark leafy vegetables, squash, etc. The opposite has been added effect appears to be square with beta-carotene are added. One Finnish study reported 18% more cases of lung cancer in heavy smokers, was added to beta-carotene. And a study by the National Cancer on the effects of vitamin A andBeta-carotene has been stopped because the supplements in smokers were 28% more tumors than those treated with placebo.

Selenium and Vitamin C: Taking selenium supplements on a long-term basis has been shown to reduce the incidence of lung cancer. In one study, people who had 55-200 mcg per day of ore to a rate of 46% lower lung cancer. As well, studies show that people who take less than 90 mg of vitamin C per day, a 90% higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who may have thetaking 140mg or more.

Avoid tobacco smoke, and check your home for radon.

There are never guarantees in life, but it certainly makes sense to take certain preventive measures such as these not only improve your general health and quality of life but also to prevent lung cancer.

Copyright 2006 Mary Desaulniers