Lung cancer can occur to anyone and at any time, but is most often linked to something that has a negative health impact on the lungs. One step you can take to help your loved one if he gets lung cancer is to arrange for senior home care services to step in and assist him around the home as he goes through treatment.
What do the Lungs do?
Human lungs are a part of the respiratory system. This automatic process in every person entails the act of breathing air into the body and moving it to the lungs. The lungs then move that oxygen from the air into the blood, which is then transported to every cell in the human body. The blood then picks up carbon dioxide from those cells, brings it back to the lungs and the lungs exhale carbon dioxide out into the air.
The lungs are also responsible for filtering out items that move into the body. The lungs have mucus, which will trap pollens, dust, and germs and then push them out by sneezing or coughing. Because the lungs are directly touched by items from outside of the body (anything in the air), they can easily become sick or damaged when the air inhaled contains toxins.
Lung Cancer Risk Factors
Just about everyone knows now that the majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking. At this time, cigarette smoking is linked to more than 80% of lung cancers. The smoke created by tobacco has a toxic mix of more than 7,000 chemicals, and most of them are poisonous. At least 70 are known to cause cancer in people or animals.
Cigarettes are not the only way toxic tobacco smoke can enter the lungs. Pipes and cigars will also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. And now, with the prevalence of vaping, the common assumption is that those who vape will also see an increase in the rates of lung cancer diagnoses. Vaping is too new to know exactly how it will affect lung cancer or if it will increase the risk of other cancers.
Indoor radon is another contributor to lung cancer. Radon is a gas that naturally occurs in some rocks, soil, and water. It can’t be smelled, tasted, or seen and while it doesn’t cause any damage when released in the fresh air, if it enters a home or building through cracks or holes, it can become trapped inside and cause damage to the lungs of those who live in that location leading to an increased rate of lung cancer.
Other inhaled chemicals can also increase the risk of cancer. Many of these chemicals can be found at work sites or older homes. They include asbestos, diesel fumes, arsenic, and some forms of silica and chromium. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can create a higher risk of getting lung cancer than years of smoking cigarettes.
Lung Cancer Treatment Support
If your loved one gets diagnosed with lung cancer, the sooner he can begin treatment (if his overall health permits), the more quickly he can start his journey toward better health.
Cancer treatment is exhausting, and senior home care providers can help with household chores, providing meals, and transportation when your loved one needs it. It’s a long road to recovery but with a caring senior home care team, your loved one will have the support he needs.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Gallatin, TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (615) 307-4509
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Nashville, Brentwood, Nolensville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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