Living with Lung Cancer

Introduction

A disease that creeps into one’s life when least expected and leaves behind no idea on how to fight it. This disastrous disease can affect any organ of the body and can dismember for life. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, they are considered cancer survivors from that particular moment throughout the rest of their lives. The first and the biggest question that arises when diagnosed with cancer is “How do I live with cancer?”. Like any creature on earth, humans also have a fierce survival instinct. The will to live is the driving force for survival when their lives are threatened by such a disastrous condition as cancer. Though the events of cancer are beyond control, people with a positive attitude are better able to cope with disease-related problems and even respond better to the treatment.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer refers to the type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the lungs, particularly in the cells lining the air passages. There are two various types of lung cancer, that is, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. This lung cancer develops when the cells divide in the lungs uncontrollably, causing tumors to grow. Lung cancer is the third most commonly reported cancer. It can be a fatal but effective treatment, and diagnoses can improve the outcome.

What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer?

Smoking is considered to be the major cause of lung cancer both in smokers as well as in passive smokers. Lung cancer has also been reported in people who have never smoked and even in those who have not been exposed to passive smoking. So there is no specific cause of lung cancer known. There are a few risk factors that can increase the likelihood of the development of lung cancer.

Here are a few:

• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

• People with a family history of lung cancer, which includes close relatives.

• People being exposed to asbestos and other carcinogens can increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly if they are a smoker.

• People previously exposed to radiation therapy.

What Are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

The symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Coughing up phlegm or blood and coughing that worsens.

• Shortness of breath.

• Wheezing.

• Chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply or cough.

• Weakness and fatigue.

• Weight loss.

• Loss of appetite.

What Are the Challenges Faced While Living with Lung Cancer and How to Cope Up with Them?

There is a daily battle with the emotional and social issues that go along with having any type of cancer. The day-to-day life with lung cancer is tough as the treatment for it. In a survey, it was found that self-care, body image, relationships, and managing emotional needs were the greatest challenges. Here are a few of the common ways you can follow to cope with these challenges:

1) You have trouble breathing. Do not worry.

You have to first understand that stress and anxiety can make it even worse. It is fine. Take slow, steady, and deep breaths. Try focusing on something that will help you relax your mind. You can even try some exercises, but whatever you do, try it at a comfortable pace.

2) If you are smoking, then you definitely have to think about it.

Studies state that smokers with lung cancer at an early stage when they quit smoking are more likely to live at least five more years. Even if the cancer is in an advanced stage, kicking this habit off helps improve the symptoms. It is also very essential to stay away from other smokers as around 3000 non-smokers die each year.

3) Having no idea about what to eat.

There is no specific diet for lung cancer. Rather you can just follow simple tips like maintaining your weight by eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet. And beyond this, you can avoid foods that make you feel worse. Keep a note of the food items that cause diarrhea, constipation, or mouth sores (the common symptoms of lung cancer treatments).

4) Finding difficulty in managing emotional needs.

You have to first know that you are not alone in fighting the battle. Let your family and friends know about your cancer but let them also know that you would like to talk about other things as well. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Timely and appropriate care is required for people with lung cancer.

What Are the Benefits of Healthy Living During Cancer Treatment?

Taking care of your health by developing good and healthy habits empowers you to cope better with the symptoms and side effects of the treatment.

Here are a few healthy habits that help you improve your quality of life during and after cancer treatment:

• Eat Well: Eating nutritious food is very important, particularly for lung cancer patients. Eat the right kinds of food to stay stronger and to fight the battle.

• Stay Active: Being physically active helps you ease fatigue, improve mood, and above all, helps to maintain a healthy weight. Even short bouts of exercise like walking can provide you with benefits.

• Ask for Support: Apart from your general health, addressing your mental health and needs is very important while fighting a battle. You can always talk to your doctor about it or other cancer patients who can understand better what you are going through.

Can One Fight with Lung Cancer and Lead a Normal Life?

For people with their cancers at an early stage, the cure rate is high, whereas the cure rates dramatically drop when the cancer is progressing or if it is in an advanced stage involving other parts of the body.

Can One Lower the Risk of Cancer Progression or Can It Stop From Recurring?

Even after the lung treatment is over, staying healthy is very important. Eating the right kinds of food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help lower the risk of cancer progression.

Should I Follow Up Even After the Treatment Is Over?

Even after completing the treatment, the doctors will ask you to follow up to watch you closely for recurrence or worsening of any symptoms. They may also recommend a few diagnostic tests to look for any signs of cancer recurring. And if no signs are seen, then they may suggest follow-up visits about every three months for the first few years and about every six months visit for the next couple of years. This follow-up schedule varies differently.

Conclusion

In all matters, we have to take a risk if we want to win. Similarly, the same to get the best quality of life. Just the willingness to take risks helps to generate hope and a positive environment in which the willingness to live is increased. And the best way to strengthen the will to live is to actively participate in combating the disease.