Lung Cancer Symptoms in Women | The Importance of Early Detection
20 percent of women with lung cancer don’t smoke – at least, according to this article from MedicalImaging.org.
When you pair that concerning statistic with this study, which indicates that there are many women who develop lung cancer who don’t smoke or have never smoked, it becomes apparent that it is just as important for women who do not smoke to be aware of lung cancer symptoms as it is for smokers and former smokers to learn about lung cancer symptoms and risk.
Some of the risk factors for non-smokers include a family history of lung cancer, extensive exposure to second hand smoke and exposure to various carcinogens, including radon and asbestos.
The facts above are just a few of many reasons why there is a need for action, particularly when it comes to knowledge of lung cancer and lung cancer symptoms for smokers and non-smokers alike.
In this About.com article titled Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms, it states that “Women now account for half of all new cases of lung cancer. Between 1974 and 1994, lung cancer deaths increased 150% in women, while men experienced only a 20% increase.”
This significant increase begs the question: Why are so many women dying of lung cancer?
Research suggests that though women may smoke and inhale less cigarettes, women are 1.5 times more likely to get lung cancer than men. Although further research is needed, scientists believe the difference may be genetically linked.
As a reminder, here is a list of typical lung cancer symptoms. Each symptom links to an individual page with more information on that particular ailment.
Cough
Shortness of breath
Hemoptysis (spitting blood)
Pneumonia
Fluid in the lungs
Chest pain
Bone and joint pain
Change in the voice
Wheezing
Coughing Up Blood
Persistent Cough
Productive Cough
Shortness of breath
Coughing Up Phlegm
Other symptoms
If you think you or a loved one may be at risk for lung cancer, including learning about lung cancer symptoms, try the lung cancer risk assessment to see if you are at an increased risk for the deadly disease.
Talk about the symptoms with your loved ones and take action in discovering lung cancer when it’s in its earliest stages, and the survival rates are higher.
The more you know about the symptoms of lung cancer, the better prepared you and your loved ones will be.
To learn more about Oncimmune’s EarlyCDT-Lung, the blood test to aid in the early detection of lung cancer, please visit www.HelloHaveYouHeard.com. The test is covered by Medicare Part B and all private insurance companies (Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, etc.). Since its commercial release in 2009, it has helped find numerous lung cancer cases, and is currently being used by several hundred doctors across the United States.
If you are a lung cancer survivor or if you have a loved one who battled lung cancer, visit our Lung Cancer Awareness Wall to memorialize and honor his or her personal fight against lung cancer.
