| |
What are the symptoms of Lung Cancer?
A cough that that is persistant or worsens, hoarseness
Shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing
Coughing up blood, fatigue
Recurrent bronchitus or pneumonia, weight loss
How can I be screened for lung cancer?
Standard chest x-ray and spiral computerized tomography scan (CT). Spiral scans use x-rays to create a 3-dimensional model of the lungs.
Contact Beth Phelps of the Thoracic Onclogy Program at SIU (TOPS) 217-545-7433 or email at bphelps@siumed.edu
Should I have a chest x-ray?
If you are having any of the symptoms of lung cancer and they do not stop with antibiotic treatment, you should have
a chest x-ray.
How do I find a doctor to treat my lung cancer?
Stephen Hazelrigg, MD, is Professor and Chairman of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Dr. Hazelrigg practices all aspects of cardithoracic surgery (heart, lung and esophageal) and has a special interest in thoracoscopic surgery. shazelrigg@siumed.edu
I want to quit smoking, where can I find help?
NCI Smoking Quitline at 1 877-466-QUIT
American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® Online www.lungusa.org
What are lung cancer risks?
- Cigarette smoking -- Tobacco addiction is by far the most important risk factor in the development of lung cancer. Cigarette smoke contains more that 4000 different chemicals, many of which are proven carcinogens (substances that cause cancer).
- A history of smoking -- Quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer over time. However, former smokers always remain at higher risk for developing lung cancer than someone who has never smoked.
- Exposure to Radon -- (an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks).
- Exposure to secondhand or passive smoke
- Exposure to certain industrial and organic substances -- such as arsenic, asbestos, uranium, and diesel fuel.
- Air pollution.
- Family history of lung cancer.
- Previous lung disease.
What types of cancer treatments are available?
The type of treatment that is best for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer and how the cancer has progressed when it is first diagnosed. Some potential treatments include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
What are the side effects of cancer treatment?
Loss of appetite, also known as anorexia (an-o-rek-se-ah), is a common side effect of cancer and treatment.
For those dealing with cancer, constipation is a common, and frequently more severe problem.
Shortness of breath is also common for people dealing with lung cancer.
Chronic fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms and /or side effects of cancer and its treatment.
Neuropathy means that something is wrong with nerve tissue, it is a fairly common occurence.
What clinical trials are available?
Contact Theresa Boley, RN,MSN,FNP-CS. Theresa is an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. tboley@siumed.edu
Where can I get information online?
- Lung Cancer Alliance or 1-800-298-2436
- Cancer Source.comArticles, interactive tools, community resources about lung cancer, smoking etc.
- Lung Cancer Information Center. Guide to lung cancer, frequently asked questions, information on types of lung cancer, and information about screening and treatment; part of the Medicine OnLine website, which offers medical information on education in oncology, literature searches through MedLine®, discussion groups on cancer, smoking etc.
- Lung Cancer On-Line. A comprehensive clearinghouse of information about lung cancer, created and maintained by lung cancer survivor Karen Parles. Features extensive links to other sites.
- New York Times/ Women's Health: Lung Cancer. Information on lung cancer and women's health.
- The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). AACR highlights cancer research at its annual meeting. Proceedings of recent meetings, with selected slide/lectures are on the site.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). ASCO, the premier professional organization of American oncologists, has online proceedings and abstracts from its annual meetings.
- American Cancer Society's Lung Cancer Resource Center. Here you'll find answers to questions about the nature of cancer, its causes and risk factors. Also, the latest strategies for prevention, new diagnostic techniques, and the latest treatment options.
- Cancer News on the Net: Lung Cancer Links. Resources on lung cancer from medicine Online, the National Cancer Institute and CancerLit, among others.
- Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center/Lung Cancer Screening. This article describes various methods of screening for lung cancer.
- Cuneo Lung Cancer Study Group (CuLCaSG). CuLCaSG is a regional organization in nothwestern Italy committed to promoting lung cancer education and awareness for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
- Women Against Lung Cancer (WALC).WALC is a not-for-profit organization formed to educate public and health care professionals about lung cancer in women. WALC supports and encourages research in gender-related differences in the development, treatment, and prevention of lung cancer. The group also seeks to encourage and mentor women health care professionals to pursue careers in lung cancer research.
- The Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR). A not-for-profit group that hosts free support discussion groups. Register for nonsmall cell, small cell, or bronchioaveolar (BAC) lung cancer groups.
- Survivors for Lung Cancer Awareness. Lung cancer survivors Estrea Janoson and Dave Grant co-manage a website geared to mutual support and activism on lung cancer issues. Features a message forum.
- The Wellness Community. Offers general cancer support groups online. Limited to 8 participants, the groups meet weekly for an hour and a half.
- The Asbestos Awareness website
Asbestos is a toxic substance that has been used in hundreds of products in the United States. Exposure to asbestos can cause malignant mesothelioma -– a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart -– and other diseases.
- Mesothelioma Caregivers This Web site is dedicated to providing information and resources to the caregivers of people with mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma Help Studies have shown that cancer patients who actively discuss their health issues, life concerns, and emotions show both mental and physical improvement.
- Quick Overview Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs characterized by the presence of malignant tumours. Most commonly it is bronchogenic carcinoma (about 90%). Lung cancer is the most lethal of cancers worldwide, causing up to 3 million deaths annually.
- Oncology Stat OncologySTAT's mission is to improve worldwide cancer care and prevention by providing healthcare professionals with immediate integrated access to the most authoritative evidence-based information available
The cancer diagnosis affects every aspect of a person's life.
It is natural to be anxious and have questions about what
the lung cancer diagnosis and treatment means to you and your
family.
Sharing your concerns with others who have had the same experience
can be supportive and reassuring.
The
Lung Cancer support group aims to provide lung cancer survivors
in the community with information, support and a sense of
fellowship as they live with the disease.
The
group purpose is threefold:
1. Provide information about the different aspects of the disease
and treatment.
2.
Provide
a place where people with lung cancer can share their experiences.
3.
Provide
and environment which gives emotional and spiritual nourishment,
plus reinforcement to each other.
Lung
cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women.
There are an estimated 171,900 new cases of lung cancer expected
to be diagnosed this year, accounting for about 13% of cancer
diagnoses. The challenges faced by a person living with lung
cancer are unique; attending a lung cancer support group may
provide you with some of the tools you will need to meet these
challenges.
What
the support group meeting can offer you.
 The
Springfield Area Lung Cancer Support group will offer you
a relaxed atmosphere in whic to share your story, feelings
and knowledge about lung cancer.
Informational presentations are provided to help deal with
the multiple aspects of the disease.
Whether you are a newly diagnosed patient, or have been dealing
with the disease for along time everyone is invited.
Refreshments are served at each meeting.
The Group meets once a month, the third Tuesday, form 5:30
to 6:30
747 N. Rutledge
Baylis Medical Building 1
Springfield, IL
For
questions or directions:
please call 217-545-6818
Spouses, family or friends are welcome.
The
Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy Support and Education (ALCASE).
ALCASE
was founded to help people, worldwide at risk for and living
with lung cancer improve the quality of their lives:
- Advocating
for increased awareness about issues surrounding prevention,
diagnosis, treatment, and living with lung cancer.
- Providing
psychological support, which is known to have a positive
effect on the quality of life for most people with lung
cancer.
- Providing
education about the disease and how best to live with it.
The
Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy Support and Education
(ALCASE).
500 W.8th Street
Suite 240
Vacouver. WA 98660
1-800-298-2436 (US)
or visit their website at: www.alcase.org
|
