Lung Cancer

Lung cancer results from the abnormal growth of the cells of the lung. This type of cancer is more commonly found in men above 40 years of age, and is the most common type of cancer in found in males in Macau. The main causes include:
    。Smoking or consistently inhaling second-hand smoke、
    。Industrial and occupational exposure to certain chemicals or building materials (such as asbestos, nickel, uranium, chromium compounds, arsenic, hydrocarbons, and chloromethyl methyl ether),
    。Inhalation of radon gas (a type of gas which naturally occurs in lower parts of buildings)

Clinical studies have shown:
    。Out of ten patients who die of lung cancer, nine are smokers、
    。Smokers have a three times greater risk of developing heart disease than non-smokers、
    。Spouses of smokers have a three times greater risk of developing lung cancer due to second-hand smoke、
    。Close to twenty percent of cancer cases in children are related to their father smoking.

In early stages, there are no obvious symptoms of lung cancer. As the cancer grows, it will affect surrounding lung tissue, causing symptoms which include:
    。A persistent cough、
    。Bloody sputum、
    。Repeated or persistent chest infections、
    。Hoarseness、
    。Chest discomfort, coughing or pain whenever a deep breath is taken、
    。Loss of appetite and weight、
    。The person becomes easily fatigued.

The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and inhaling second-hand cigarette smoke.
The risk of developing lung cancer depends largely on the degree of your exposure to tobacco smoke. For example, if you started smoking at a young age, then the chances of developing lung cancer will naturally be quite high.
Even if you have been smoking for many years, it is never too late to quit and receive the innumerous health benefits.