Showing posts with label Lung cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lung cancer. Show all posts

Monday, January 3, 2011

What You Can Do to Prevention Lung Cancer


It is estimated that the overall five-year survival rate from lung cancer is just 15%. Given this depressing statistic, it is obvious that lung cancer prevention should be of primary importance in dealing with this killer disease.So what can you do to prevent lung cancer? Here are a few things you should guard against this disease.
•Avoid smoking / give up smoking
•Minimize your exposure to second hand tobacco smoke
•Eliminate exposure to radon, asbestos and other dangerous substances
•Cut down exposure to pollution
•Take steps to avoid falling prey to diseases like tuberculosis
Smoking the big enemy
Smoking (and exposure to second hand tobacco smoke) is the number one cause of lung cancer by far. Those who have never smoked in their lives have a significantly lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who have smoked for at least some time. Also, the risk of contracting lung cancer goes down with time once you quit smoking.Some research points out that the socalled low nicotine / low tar cigarettes do not really cut down the chances of getting lung cancer.This goes contrary to all the advertising done by tobacco companies who are eager to push these "light" cigarettes on people as a "healthier" alternative to regular cigarettes.Make no mistake about it the best path to lung cancer prevention is to give up smoking completely. Even better, avoid taking up this deadly habit in the first place. Your lungs, your body and your family will thank you for it.
Exposure to second-hand smoke is bad too
Second hand smoke is formally known as Environmental Tobacco Smoke or ETS. People who inhale second hand smoke are called passive smokers. And here is the shocker passive smoking can be even more dangerous than smoking a cigarette!Why is this so? The reason is that tobacco smoke enters the lungs of passive smokers without any filtering at all. This makes it much more likely that passive smokers will develop lung cancera bigger payload of dangerous carcinogens enters their lungs.Many countries including America, Australia, the UK and others have sought to curb the menace of second hand smoke by banning smoking in public places like restaurants, buses, trains, aircrafts, etc. More and more countries around the world are taking similar steps. It is expected that these restrictions will gradually bring down the incidence of lung cancer (and many other health issues) from passive smoking.
Pollution can increase risks of cancer
Pollutants like automobile exhausts, industrial smoke, etc are known to cause several health problems. There is also some evidence that they may contribute to lung cancer. So part of your lung cancer prevention plan should be to minimize exposure to these pollutants.
Asbestos and radon exposure can lead to cancer
Both radon and asbestos are directly linked to lung cancer. They also cause other health issues. Use one of the radon detection kits available at hardware stores to measure the levels of radon in your home or office environment. If radon is present, enlist the services of an expert who can suggest corrective measures to get rid of the radon.Similarly, it is a good idea to hire a licensed asbestos inspector to go over your home with a fine tooth comb to see if it contains any asbestos. If your home is asbestos-free he will issue a certificate stating this fact.Taking sensible lung cancer prevention steps can go a long way towards ensuring that you remain free of this killer disease.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Learn How To Prevent Lung Cancer


Lung cancer is a malignant disease commonly associated with people who smoke heavily. It is estimated that a higher number of men are suffering from this form of cancer. Lately however, the number of women affected with lung cancer is steadily catching up with the number of men affected with the disease.Diet is an important measure in preventing lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer for smokers and non-smokers alike are lowered when they eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Among the most important fruits and vegetables that should be included in your diet are apples, tomatoes, melons, mangoes, dark leafy greens and onions. Apple and onion are rich in cancer-fighting flavonoids. According to a study conducted in Finland, people who consume more apples are 58 percent less likely to develop lung cancer than those who do not eat apples at all.Try to add some tomato sauce in your cooking. Research shows that tomatoes, especially cooked ones, seem to exhibit protective properties against lung cancer.Taking in high amounts of beta-carotenes can also lower the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Carotenoid compounds are found in certain produce like peaches, mangoes, melon, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and green leafy vegetables. Beta-carotene supplement however should be avoided. A study conducted by a Finnish group indicated that an 18 percent rise in lung cancer cases was seen in heavy smokers who were taking beta-carotene supplements. Moreover, the National Cancer Institute researchers also stopped their study on the effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene after smokers who were taking the supplements showed 28 percent more lung cancer than those taking placebos.Another important measure in the prevention of lung cancer is a routine medical check-up. This should also be accompanied with prophylactic medicines and supplements. An x-ray is necessary especially for those people who smoke and are at the age of 50 and above. A yearly chest x-ray will be especially beneficial for those people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. A chest x-ray is a preventive measure done to screen for lung cancer. A routine chest x-ray will enable doctors to diagnose lung cancer early so that proper treatment procedures will be implemented.Aspirin has been shown to ward off lung cancer especially when a dosage of 81 to 325 mg is taken daily. However, you should consult your doctor about the prophylactic advantage of taking aspirin since this form of therapy comes with known side effects.Selenium that is often found in multivitamin and mineral supplements also shows properties that ward off cancer especially when taken over a long period of time. Some studies show that those who are taking selenium supplements exhibit about 46 percent lower lung cancer rate.Vitamin C is also good in the prevention of lung cancer. Some studies suggest that people who regularly take 140 mg or more of vitamin C have lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who only get 90 mg or less of vitamin C dosage.Lifestyle change is also vital in the prevention of lung cancer. People who smoke should consider quitting the habit. When a person stops smoking, his lung cancer risk is lowered by almost half in 10 years.Finally, the second most common cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon, a colorless gas found in the ground. Test your home for any presence of radon. You can either buy a do-it yourself kit to check for radon which is available in your home supply stores or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Sunday, December 26, 2010

3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatments Explained


There are two main types of cancer non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Of the two, NSCLC is much more widespread representing 80% of cases. It begins when the cells of the lung start to expand and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Over time this can cause a malignant (cancerous) tumour to develop in the lungs which then kills the surrounding cells as it grows. Although this condition is potentially fatal there are a number of treatments that can be used depending on how advanced the cancer has become. In this article I will be discussing three of these NSCLC treatments.
1) SURGERY:Surgery is normally used to treat cancers that have not spread beyond the lungs. There are two main types of surgery that are used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Where possible one of the lobes of the lung is removed in a surgical process called a lobectomy. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the lobe then the entire lung may have to be removed in a process called a pneumonectomy.
2) CHEMOTHERAPY:Chemotherapy involves using medications that kill cancer cells to treat the NSCLC. It is often used when the cancer has become more advanced and surgery is no longer a viable option. However, it may also be used before surgery (to shrink the cancer cells and make the procedure easier to perform) or after surgery (to kill off any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence). Unfortunately, chemotherapy is not a perfect treatment and has a number of unpleasant, associated side effects including feelings of sickness, a poor appetite and hair loss. However, in most cases these symptoms disappear when the course of chemotherapy ends.
3) RADIOTHERAPY:Radiotherapy involves using high doses of radiation to destroy cancerous cells. It can be either internal (where radioactive implants are placed inside the malignant cells) or external (where radioactive rays are aimed at the cancerous tumour from outside the body). Like chemotherapy, this type of non-small cell lung cancer treatment is normally used when the cancer has spread beyond the lungs and surgery is not possible. However, it may also be used pre and post surgery to make it easier to perform and reduce the chances of the NSCLC coming back.
Cancer is a terrible disease and learning that you have developed non-small cell lung cancer can be very unpleasant. However, you need to remember that it can be treated especially when it is discovered in the early stages. I hope this article has given you an overview of the possible NSCLC treatments but to get the full picture you should go see your doctor. They will be able to provide you with professional advice and offer you the most suitable treatment.Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Lung cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Understanding The Viciousness of Lung Cancer


Lung cancer is the result of malignant cells forming in the tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining the air passages. The cells in our bodies are constantly dividing and reproducing. Usually, there's an orderly pattern to this reproduction as cells develop and specialize to meet particular needs. Occasionally, however, a cell becomes damaged. There's a mutation in its DNA, and rather than maturing and dying as is normal, it continues to reproduce unchecked. In essence, this is cancer - uncontrolled reproduction and growth of abnormal cells in the body.Most lung cancers are believed to start in the epithelial lining of the lungs - the linings of the large and small airways that perform the task of extracting oxygen from the air. Because of this, lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic carcinoma - cancer arising from the bronchia. A smaller percentage of lung cancers begin in the pleura - the thin tissue sac that surrounds the lungs. These cancers are called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.Cancer of the lungs is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While it may take a period of years to develop, the cancer often goes undetected until late in the process. In addition, it tends to metastasize (migrate to other parts of the body) early, which leaves fewer opportunities to fight the mutated cells with surgery or radiation. Once the lung cancer does metastasize, it quickly spreads to the most vulnerable and important organs of the body, particularly the adrenal glands, the liver, the brain and the bones.There are two primary forms of lung cancer - Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Small Cell Lung Cancer is less common, though far more deadly. It's directly linked to cigarette smoking - less than 1% of SCLC is diagnosed in non-smokers. It's also extremely aggressive and fast-moving, metastasizing rapidly to other organs, and often undiscovered until it's already widespread.Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, on the other hand, is far more common, accounting for nearly 80% of all diagnosed lung cancers. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, generally characterized by the size, shape, and chemical composition of the cells that form the cancer:Squamous Cell Carcinoma (also referred to as Epidermoid Carcinoma): accounts for around 25% - 30% of all lung cancers, and is associated with a history of smoking. This cancer is nearly always found in the central chest area, near the bronchus.Adenocarcinoma (also referred to as Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma): accounts for around 40% of all lung cancers, and is found in the external region of the lung. Treatment for this form of lung cancer often leads to a more successful outcome than that of other lung cancers.Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma: accounting for only 10% - 15% of lung cancers, this form may show up in any area of the lung. It tends to spread quickly, and often results in a poor prognosis.It's also possible for lung cancer to be a combination of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer types.There are other, less common types of lung cancer. For instance, bronchial carcinoids are small tumors often found in people under 40 years of age. They tend to grow slowly, and be amenable to treatment. Carcinoid tumors account for approximately 5% of lung tumors. Some are non-cancerous. The others are generally slow-growing and can be successfully treated with surgery.Finally, some cancers discovered in the lungs aren't lung cancers at all. Since the lungs are prone to metastatic cancers from other sites, it's not uncommon for tumors from other primary cancers to find their way to the lungs. When this occurs, the tumors are often discovered in the peripheral tissues of the lungs rather than in the central tissues.Please note that the information provided in this article is for information purposes only. It should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer. Such situations should always involve the expertise of a physician or health care provider.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

How to Prevent Lung Cancer for smokers


Lung cancer is a terrible disease that kills thousands of people every year. The vast majority of these cases come from smokers but also many people who quit smoking many years ago. How to prevent lung cancer should therefore be of major concern for anyone who has smoked for any length of time in their life as you are in the high risk category for cancers of the lungs, throat and mouth.
Preventing Lung Cancer Basics
The first thing you HAVE to do if you want to avoid becoming a cancer statistic is to STOP SMOKING. Obvious of course but it is surprising how being strongly addiction to cigarettes can make people think they can clean their lungs of carcinogens and continue to smoke. It is an unavoidable fact that smoking has to stop for the risks of lung cancers to start reducing.From this point you are still not safe, however, as the tar from cigarettes traps carcinogens in your lungs. Your body takes a long time to remove this tar and cleanse the toxins without active work on your part. From here you need to start cleaning your lungs of the chemicals that cause cancer.
Foods That Prevent Cancer of the lungs
Some foods will help you achieve better lung health and prevent yourself becoming another cancer statistic. These are foods that contain antioxidants which have been linked to preventing cancer of all types. Some of these foods include green tea, oregano and broccoli, but many more exist.Other foods can help in a more indirect ways. Some foods simply help you boost your immune system which aides in natural detoxification of the body and lungs.Another way to help is to eat foods that liquefy mucus in your lungs such as chilis and other hot foods. This enables you to eject the mucus more easily which contains tar and toxins which lead to cancer.
Lung Detoxification to Prevent Lung Cancer
In conjunction with foods that help you detox your lungs, there are many other methods that can clean them of cancer causing chemicals. A combination of vitamins and mental and physical exercises can help you cleanse your lungs and avoid lungs cancer.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer


In the UK, asbestos accounts for 2-3% of male lung cancer deaths. There is a complementary effect between tobacco smoking and asbestos in the formation of lung cancer. Asbestos can also cause cancer of the pleura, called mesothelioma (which is different from lung cancer).People who work with asbestos have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. People exposed to industrial substances or building materials such as asbestos, nickel, chromium compounds, arsenic, polycyclic hydrocarbons and chloromethyl ether also have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. It is also important to try to avoid second-hand tobacco smoke, radon, and pollution, which can increase a person's risk of getting lung cancer.People who have been exposed to asbestos will only diagnosed with lung cancer twenty to thirty years down the road. If you suspect that you may be exposed to the hazards listed above, look out for symptoms that are associated with lung cancer.
dyspnea (shortness of breath)
•hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
•chronic coughing or change in regular coughing pattern
•wheezing
•chest pain or pain in the abdomen
•cachexia (weight loss)
•fatigue and loss of appetite
sphonia (hoarse voice)
•clubbing of the fingernails (uncommon)
•dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
•repeated chest infections
•asthma
•fluid around the lung
•swelling in the neck or face
•lethargic
Some lung cancers do not cause any noticeable symptoms until they are quite advanced and have spread to other parts of the body. By the time people have symptoms, lung cancer is generally at stage four, having already spread to another major organ.Additional symptoms that may also occur with lung cancer includes:
•Swallowing difficulty
•Nail problems
•Joint pain
•Facial paralysis
•Eyelid drooping
•Bone pain or tenderness.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Monday, December 6, 2010

Preventing Lung Cancer With a Lung Detox


Smoking causes a host of illnesses but clearly one of the most serious and documented is lung cancer. It's not exclusive to smokers but 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths are from smoking cigarettes, pipes and cigars. Stopping smoking clearly is going to help to avoid getting lung cancer but this unfortunately is no certainty that an ex smoker will not at some point in the future get it. Because most of cancer causing chemical remain present in the lung structure for between 10 and 15 years after stopping smoking, the risk is ever present. The body will eventually get rid of these toxins naturally but it takes time.Having been a heavy smoker for 25 years, it was this fact that concerned me the most. Just how much damage had I already caused my lungs and how would I know that at some point over the future years I wasn't going to die of lung cancer? It actually made stopping smoking even harder for me because this negative thought was almost enough to make me start again. Was it too late for me anyway?My partner had managed to quit smoking about a year before me, and bless her, she had never tried to get me to stop. She would have liked me to but she always been of the mind that I would stop when I was ready to stop! When she quit though she immediately put herself on a lung detoxification, within the first few days, which was designed to remove the toxins. She swore by it and was convinced that it not only reduced her cravings for cigarettes but that it also was a guard against getting lung cancer in the future. With her positive experience in mind it's what I also decided to do.The lung detox clears the harmful toxins from the lungs at an accelerated pace, in fact weeks and months as opposed to years. Physically, you can begin to develop the early stages of lung cancer at the very outset of taking up smoking because you are exposing your body to powerful carcinogens. However the length of time you have been a smoker certainly has an impact on the chances of developing lung cancer. What happens is that the lungs begin to create abnormal cells and it's some of these that can turn cancerous. By removing the toxins that effect these cells the lungs can start to replace them with normal healthy cells and so cut down the chance of cancer developing. This is exactly how a lung detox works.Personally I would say to anyone packing in smoking to do things right, detox the lungs as soon as you can. It's never too late though so even if you've left it months or years then I'm sure you will still give yourself the peace of mind that you are probably avoiding lung cancer.

Source by ezinearticles.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Asbestos Lung Cancer Risks and What to Do About Them


Asbestos is a substance which was extensively used in the 1990's for construction and decoration. This is because asbestos was found to have a high tensile strength and was known very well for its flame and heat resistance. However, people who worked in factories and who were commonly exposed to this substance were not really warned about asbestos lung cancer risks. What sort of risks are there?Well, so far, there are two main asbestos lung cancer risks you should be worried about:
• Mesothelioma - This is cancer that does not occur in the lungs but in the tissue covering the lungs. Mesothelioma is a disease wherein a person develops tumors on the tissue covering the vital organs. Almost all of the cases of mesothelioma being reported today have a history of asbestos exposure. This just goes to show you how large the asbestos lung cancer risks are.
• Actual lung cancer - Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer in the sense that while mesothelioma affects the tissue covering the vital organs, lung cancer hits the vital organs-the lungs themselves.
The first thing that you can do to lower the asbestos lung cancer risk on yourself is to work someplace other than a factory or establishment which makes use of asbestos as a raw material. Most people who have developed asbestos lung cancer have been exposed to the substance in a work environment. This is because during the early 90's when people used asbestos extensively in construction and decoration, employers frequently forgot to mention to their employees that asbestos was a very dangerous substance when inhaled. People were not equipped with the right accessories to help them prevent the asbestos fibers from getting into their lungs. The next thing you can do to lower the risk of asbestos lung cancer is to try and get rid of any asbestos products at home. You should also try to get an inspector to look around your house and see which asbestos products need to be removed or which products need to be left alone for the general safety of people.This is because although there are some products which do give off dangerous asbestos fibers, there are those products which are better left alone in order not to render contained asbestos fibers airborne. By doing this, you can be sure that each asbestos product is disposed of properly and that you don't place yourself in unnecessary danger.Another thing you can do to lower the risk of asbestos lung cancer is to check out your workplace or school. Some offices are located in old buildings wherein the ceiling can be a bit damaged. As you may well know, old ceilings do have asbestos in them. This is mainly because people thought that adding asbestos to ceiling tiles can help fireproof a building. Old ceiling tiles which are quite crumbly give off a huge amount of asbestos fibers so removing them can help you reduce the risk of asbestos lung cancer.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Asbestos Lung Cancer Risks and What to Do About Them


Asbestos is a substance which was extensively used in the 1990's for construction and decoration. This is because asbestos was found to have a high tensile strength and was known very well for its flame and heat resistance. However, people who worked in factories and who were commonly exposed to this substance were not really warned about asbestos lung cancer risks. What sort of risks are there?Well, so far, there are two main asbestos lung cancer risks you should be worried about:
  • Mesothelioma - This is cancer that does not occur in the lungs but in the tissue covering the lungs. Mesothelioma is a disease wherein a person develops tumors on the tissue covering the vital organs. Almost all of the cases of mesothelioma being reported today have a history of asbestos exposure. This just goes to show you how large the asbestos lung cancer risks are.
  • Actual lung cancer - Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer in the sense that while mesothelioma affects the tissue covering the vital organs, lung cancer hits the vital organs-the lungs themselves.
The first thing that you can do to lower the asbestos lung cancer risk on yourself is to work someplace other than a factory or establishment which makes use of asbestos as a raw material. Most people who have developed asbestos lung cancer have been exposed to the substance in a work environment. This is because during the early 90's when people used asbestos extensively in construction and decoration, employers frequently forgot to mention to their employees that asbestos was a very dangerous substance when inhaled. People were not equipped with the right accessories to help them prevent the asbestos fibers from getting into their lungs. The next thing you can do to lower the risk of asbestos lung cancer is to try and get rid of any asbestos products at home. You should also try to get an inspector to look around your house and see which asbestos products need to be removed or which products need to be left alone for the general safety of people.This is because although there are some products which do give off dangerous asbestos fibers, there are those products which are better left alone in order not to render contained asbestos fibers airborne. By doing this, you can be sure that each asbestos product is disposed of properly and that you don't place yourself in unnecessary danger.Another thing you can do to lower the risk of asbestos lung cancer is to check out your workplace or school. Some offices are located in old buildings wherein the ceiling can be a bit damaged. As you may well know, old ceilings do have asbestos in them. This is mainly because people thought that adding asbestos to ceiling tiles can help fireproof a building. Old ceiling tiles which are quite crumbly give off a huge amount of asbestos fibers so removing them can help you reduce the risk of asbestos lung cancer.

Source by ezinearticles.com

Monday, November 29, 2010

How Does Lung Cancer Begin?


Lung cancer is a disease in the lungs which is caused by rapid development and division of immature cells that are present inside the lungs. Lung cancer is also known as bronchogenic cancer and is regarded as histologic.Normally, the lungs have the capability to repair tissues which are affected or destroyed through the process of producing normal and healthy lung cells. The moment abnormal growth and division of cells which are immature speeds up, a mass or tumor is formed and this could be the beginning of lung cancer.A tumor can either be benign or malignant. If the tumor is benign, it is usually stranded in one area and is encapsulated.A benign tumor has no intention of invading the tissues surrounding it. On the other hand, if the benign tumor begins to grow and is currently spreading to the tissues and organs, it is now called as malignant or is undergoing a cancerous stage. Once the cancerous cells break free, it now travels to the different body parts like the bones, lymph nodes, brain and liver, it is now termed as metastasis. There the cancer cells will have the capacity to grow and reproduce.The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking which made up the 80% of deaths in men and 75% of deaths in women. The risk of getting cancer depends on how early a person is exposed to smoking or how many cigarettes are smoked per day although, there are studies which show that lower death rates are obtained out of the individuals who smoke using a low-nicotine brand and a cigarette filter.People who were once smokers and decided to quit it has a lower risk of having lung cancer. For those who are into smoking cigars and pipes, they have a higher lung cancer death chance than those usual cigarette smokers.On the other hand, for the secondhand smokers namely those who are exposed to secondhand smoking, radon and asbestos or who have within their family a history of lung cancer may contribute to the development of the disease.Smoking is one of the definite answers why lung cancer begins. Majority of these patients have similar smoking lifestyle that is uncontrollable and is difficult to manage. Without proper rehabilitation from smoking, the person is at high risk to becoming a candidate for the disease.Lung cancer would usually begin with the exposure or usage of different cancerous substances. If exposed for quite some time, lung cells begin to react with the stimulus or chemical which is suspended inside it. Though describing the pathophysiology may have a lot of complexities, it is not completely emphasized by researches and tests. All that is revealed are the risk factors and main reasons why there is irregular and abnormal growth in the lung cells which leads to the disease.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Important Information About Lung Cancer


In 2004 lung cancer killed more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined. Lung cancer accounts for 31% of all deaths from cancer, and 90% of these could have been prevented if people had not smoked cigarettes or other products containing nicotine and tar. In 2005 according to the American Cancer Society and the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) approximately 555,312 people died of lung cancer in the USA which accounted for about 22.8% of all deaths in the US.The American Cancer Society and the CDC estimates that in 2008 over 215,020 new cases of lung cancer will exist. Lung cancer is the second biggest killer among people. And in 2008 out of 745,180 men tested, 15% have lung cancer and out of 692,000 women tested, 14% lung have some form of cancer. The top killer for men is prostate and the top for women is breast cancer.Nicotine is highly addictive, smoke containing nicotine is inhaled into the lungs, and the nicotine reaches your brain just six seconds. In larger doses of lethal poison affecting the heart, blood, and hormones. One of the reasons people smoke is to calm their nerves.Unfortunately for the user this calm is not natural and the only reason they are feeling the calm is because of the drugs inside the cigarette. Just because a cigarette has a filter does not mean its safer. The companies only use this as a ply in order to make you the consumer feel "safer" about smoking cigarettes. Chemicals are added to cigarettes to make the cigarettes taste blander.Chemists found that tobacco was too bitter tasting. Unfortunately some of these chemicals also cause cancer. A chemical very similar to rocket fuel is used in cigarettes to keep the end of the cigarette burning at extremely high temperatures. The actual list of ingredients in a cigarette is too long to even list in this article, however here are a few that you can take a look at:
1. Fungicides and pesticides - these cause many types of cancers and birth defects
2. Cadmium - ingredient linked to lung and prostate cancer
3. Benzene - ingredient linked to leukemia
4. Formaldehyde - ingredient linked to lung cancer
5. Nickel - causes increased susceptibility to lung infections
Of course all cigarettes aren't the same, over 5000 ingredients are in a cigarette besides the actual tobacco. Some of the most common additives are yeast, wine, chocolate (yes chocolate),caffeine, and beeswax. Just to list a few more ingredients so you can get an idea of how bad cigarettes really are for you:
1. Angelica root extract: Known to cause cancer in animals
2. Arsenic: Used in rat poisons
3. Cyanide: Deadly poison
4. Ethyl Furoate: Causes liver damage in animals
5. Lead: Poisonous in high doses
6. Methoprene: Insecticide
7. Megastigmatrienone: Chemical naturally found in grapefruit juice
8. Maltitol: Sweetener for diabetics
9. Napthalene: Ingredient in mothballs
10. Methyl isocyanate: Its accidental release killed 2000 people in Bhopal, India in 1984
11. Polonium: Cancer-causing radioactive element.

Download this ebook

Source by ezinearticles.com

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Effects of Lung Cancer


Lung cancer is destructive by itself. Lung cancer hormones also affect the functioning of the kidneys making it very difficult to excrete urine.In additional to mechanical damage and hormonal damage the malignant tumors of the lungs produce a wide range of general side effects and not all of them are fully understood. These include nausea, loss of appetite, anemia, fever, skin rashes, weakness, abnormalities of taste sensation and severe loss of weight. In addition lung cancer tumors have much greater demand for amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins as compared to the normal cells. They may derive these amino acids from the patient's muscles leading to body wasting.The cause of death due to lung cancer is usually a combination of several factors like cachexia, infection, internal bleeding, compression and destruction of lungs.Do you still want to smoke or be around anyone who does?In addition lung cancer has general effects. Lung cancer cells produce hormones that affect the calcification of bones (i.e.) calcium deposits are made in joints of the bones which will make the movement very rough and painful. They also affect the output of the adrenal glands thereby leading to uncontrolled blood pressure. Lung cancer hormones also affect the functioning of the kidneys making it very difficult to excrete urine.In additional to mechanical damage and hormonal damage the malignant tumors of the lungs produce a wide range of general side effects and not all of them are fully understood. These include nausea, loss of appetite, anemia, fever, skin rashes, weakness, abnormalities of taste sensation and severe loss of weight. In addition lung cancer tumors have much greater demand for amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins as compared to the normal cells. They may derive these amino acids from the patient's muscles leading to body wasting.The cause of death due to lung cancer is usually a combination of several factors like cachexia, infection, internal bleeding, compression and destruction of lungs.

Source by ezinearticles.com