Submitted by Tifany Palmer, RN, Lung Patient Navigator for Providence Regional Cancer System
November is lung cancer awareness month. Tifany Palmer, a registered nurse and the lung patient navigator for Providence Regional Cancer System, offers these notes on symptoms to raise to your primary care provider.
Early detection and prevention is the key lung cancer. The following things can be done to help prevent your risk of lung cancer.
- Quitting smoking
- Avoidance of second hand smoke
- Testing your home for Radon
- Avoidance of cancer causing agents such as asbestos, arsenic, soot, tar, and nickel
- Eating a healthy and well balance diet which includes a variety of fruits and vegetables
- Exercising and increase participation in physical activities such as walking, biking, rowing, jogging, swimming, etc
Take charge of your health. Be aware of the following signs and symptoms which may be a potential indication of a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Prolonged coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Coughing up bloody sputum
- Recurrent respiratory infections
If you think you may have risk factors or signs and symptoms then make an appt to discuss with your primary care provider. A primary care provider can order you the proper testing such as radiology imaging to detect any lung abnormalities, sputum studies, and blood work. Avoiding risk factors and increasing exercise with a well balanced diet will only improve your health and well being. Take charge of your health and be your own advocate.
