Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer among Asians. However, you can take steps to protect yourself and improve your lung health.
Some risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos and radon, a family history of lung cancer, and certain genetic mutations. Some warning signs of lung cancer include a chronic cough, coughing blood, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider right away.
But even if you don’t have any symptoms, it’s still a good idea to get screened for lung cancer. Low-dose CT is recommended for people who are 50 to 80 years old and have a history of smoking or other risk factors. If you’re an Asian female, have a family history of lung cancer, or have smoked within the past 15 years, it’s especially important to talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider. And remember, early detection and prevention are key to protecting your lung health and overall well-being.
Chinese Community Health Resource Center, in collaboration with Chinese Hospital Clinics, is developing a lung cancer prevention program. For more details, please call 1-415-677-2370.
Help to Build a Community Free of Lung Disease
Support “Chinese Hospital/Jack Lee Fong Family Lung Health Initiative Matching Challenge” and make a donation that will save lives! Your donation funds lung disease and lung cancer treatments, CT screenings, lung health education, and more. Your contribution is vital to help end lung disease. Make a donation today. For more information, please visit https://chinesehospital-sf.org/lunghealthinitiative/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Always seek advice from your physicians or other qualified health provider.