July is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

LUNG cancer ranks second among the most common cancers in men and women in Metro Cebu based on the cancer registry of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

There are 1,265 reported cases from 2003-2007. At least 915 of the total cases died of the disease.

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung become abnormal. One is at risk of lung cancer if he or she smokes, breathes in other people’s smoke, has contact with asbestos, radon gas or air pollution, or has a family history of lung cancer.

Early lung cancer often gives no signs.

The common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include continuous cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing, loss of appetite, weight loss and feeling of tiredness.

“The best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit, or never start, smoking,” program coordinator Ronald delos Reyes said.

Diagnosing lung cancer involves one’s medical history, smoking history, exposure to environmental and occupational substances, family history of lung cancer, physical exam, chest x-ray, and sputum cytology.

For more information on lung cancer, contact Gina Mariquit at 254-6351 or 256-3287.