Lung cancer, as the name suggest, happens when the cells lining the airways grow and divide without control, leading to the formation of an abnormal mass. It is a cancer that can develop over months to years and patients may not see the warning signs until much later. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in males and third most common cancer in females in Singapore.
Warning signs
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Recurring chest infection
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- New onset of wheezing
Who are at risk?
- Smokers
- Exposure to second hand smoke.
- Exposure to asbestos and other chemicals such as arsenic, chromium, nickel etc
What can you do?
- Avoid smoking
- Quit smoking - it reduces the risk even if one has smoked for years
- Encourage friends who are smokers to quit
- Maintain a diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
All information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your doctor. Back to Top |
