Heart disease and strokes are serious health concerns around the world, however, 80% of premature attacks are preventable. While risk factors like genetics and age cannot be controlled, it is possible to modify one’s lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of developing heart conditions. It is important to start developing these habits as early as possible to lead a longer and healthier life. Here are eight things one can do to prevent ailments of the heart: Eat healthier Adding foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean proteins, and fish to one’s meals can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Further, limiting the intake of refined carbohydrates, refined meats, and processed foods can help maintain optimal heart health. Exercise regularly Adults must aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of high-intensity vigorous activity per week to stay healthy and prevent diseases. Keep cholesterol in check High levels of cholesterol can clog the arteries and increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Lifestyle changes and treatment plans as advised by the doctor can help lower cholesterol levels and stay healthy. Manage diabetes Having diabetes doubles the risk of having diabetic heart disease because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves around the heart. It is important to get tested for diabetes and to keep it in check. Get enough sleep Not getting a healthy amount of sleep (7–9 hours for adults) also increases the risk for high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, which can result in heart disease. One should consult their doctor in case they face issues with getting adequate sleep. Manage stress High blood pressure and stress have been linked to heart health. It is important to find ways to manage stress, which may include healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, listening to music, meditation, and other relaxation techniques.

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body when it is left untreated. There are some early signs and symptoms of this disease; however, depending on the stage of cancer, the signs may differ, and the right treatment can be administered accordingly. Here are the symptoms, types, stages, and some other important things to know about this illness. Symptoms There are some early warning signs of the disease, and there are some symptoms that show up when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Let’s take a look at these: A lingering or worsening cough Wheezing Hoarseness Persistent weakness and fatigue Recurrent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia In later stages of lung cancer, some of the symptoms include lumps in the neck or collarbone, jaundice, swelling of the face and upper body, bone pain, especially in the back, hips, or ribs. Types of lung cancer There are various types of lung cancer, and most of these types can either be non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Here’s what one needs to know about these types. Non-small cell lung cancer Also known as NSCLC, this type of lung cancer makes up for about 80 to 85 percent of the cases. Moreover, there are different types of NSCLC cases, and when diagnosed in time, these types respond well to treatment in the early stage. Squamous cell lung carcinoma According to statistics, close to 30 percent of NSCLC cases begin in the squamous cells, which are lining the passages of the respiratory tract. This type of cancer is called the squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma This is a type of cancer that forms in the outer part of the lungs. And there is a rare subset of adenocarcinoma that begins in the sacs of one’s lungs.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is located at the lower and narrow end of the uterus in females. Treatment of this type of cancer depends on the stage of the disease, and this is why there are multiple treatment approaches to cervical cancer. Another factor that contributes to the type of treatment involves the location of the cancer within the cervix and also the type. Treatment or management options for early-stage cervical cancer Here are some of the common treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer: Hysterectomy This is a procedure for women who do not wish to have any children after the cancer is treated. In this procedure, which is called a simple hysterectomy, the uterus is removed, while the structures that are next to the uterus are left intact. Generally, the vagina and pelvic lymph nodes are also not removed. Similarly, the ovaries are also usually not removed during the procedure unless they are infected and require surgical removal. Radical trachelectomy This procedure is performed through the vagina or the abdomen and is sometimes done using a laparoscopy. It is generally used for younger patients who want to preserve their fertility. During this procedure, the cervix and the upper part of the vagina are removed, but not the entire uterus. A purse-string is stitched inside the uterine cavity to close it like it would originally. Cervical pre-cancer surgeries When the diagnosis shows changes to cervical cells, which can make them more likely to develop into cancer at a later stage, a doctor may suggest these procedures: Cone biopsy or conization This type of treatment is usually preferred for females who want to have children once the cancer is treated. In this method, the doctor removes cone-shaped tissue from the cervix.

When lung cancer reaches stage 4, it means that the cancer has become metastatic and spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This is the final stage of lung cancer, and it is mostly incurable at this stage. Also, at this stage, the individual may undergo several physical and emotional changes. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of stage 4 lung cancer and treatments to manage them. Symptoms Some of the common symptoms that manifest during the final stage of lung cancer are listed below. Pain Extreme weakness and fatigue Persistent coughing Loss of appetite Muscle loss Fluid buildup around the lungs, which may trigger shortness of breath Restlessness A rattle in the chest when breathing Blood in spit or coughing Nausea Hoarse voice Wheezing Frequent respiratory infections (like bronchitis) Confusion Headaches Seizures that may occur if the cancer has spread to the brain Trouble focusing While symptoms may vary between individuals, these are some common physical symptoms noticed at this stage. Diagnosis To determine if the lung cancer has reached the fourth or final stage, a healthcare professional may suggest a few tests. These tests help them determine how much the cancer has spread and to what parts of the body. These tests include the following- MRI scan to check if the cancer has reached the brain or the spinal cord CT scan to check if the cancer has spread to the liver, brain, lymph nodes, or other organs PET scan to locate the cancer cells in the body Bone scans to check if the cancer has spread to the bones Treatments Treating lung cancer at its final stage can be challenging. However, health experts may suggest a few management options and procedures to delay the progress of the cancer. Doctors may also advise some treatments to relieve or alleviate the physical symptoms occurring at this stage.

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the lung tissues and can be grouped into two main types: small cells and non-small cells. An individual might have varied symptoms that could indicate the presence of lung cancer. Since the signs might also be similar to other health conditions, one would be required to get a biopsy to determine the cancer size and stage for the oncologist to come up with management options. Here are a few things to know about the management of this cancer type: Diagnosis methods There are various diagnostic methods to determine the presence of lung cancer. A few tests are mentioned below: 1. Imaging tests An imaging test takes pictures of the body and can show the location and size of the lung cancer. The tests often include X-rays, MRIs, CT, and positron emission tomography (PET scan). Imaging tests might be carried out for various regions, including looking at suspicious areas that might be cancer, determining how far the cancer has spread, assessing whether the treatment is working, and looking for possible signs of cancer recurring after treatment. 2. Sputum cytology Sputum is mucus coughed up from the lungs. If an individual coughs up sputum, it can be collected and studied under a microscope. The mucus can sometimes show signs of cancerous cells. The test is more likely to find cancers that start in the major airway of the lung, such as squamous cell lung cancers. 3. Biopsy This method requires the removal of tissue for testing in a lab. The healthcare team may perform a lung cancer biopsy through various methods. One method includes a bronchoscopy, where a lighted tube with a camera is passed down the patient’s throat into the lungs to examine the area while special tools are passed through to collect tissue samples.

In early-stage or stage 1 lung cancer, the tumor is quite small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Most stage 1 lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). As per the American Cancer Society, NSCLC accounts for 80–85% of all lung cancer cases. As cancer is highly manageable in the early stages, here is what one should know to seek timely care: Signs Here, the tumor is typically quite small and present only inside the lungs. As a result, there are barely any signs of the condition. But in rare cases, when symptoms do develop, they usually include the following: – Persistent cough – Blood in phlegm or spit – Shortness of breath – Recurrent pneumonia – Bronchitis – Frequent lung infections Sometimes, lung cancer can also trigger pain, which usually develops in the chest. However, as the tumor is quite tiny, it does not result in high-intensity pain or other symptoms commonly observed in advanced stages of lung cancer, such as fatigue or loss of appetite. So, when there is no known risk of lung cancer, one may tend to miss the subtle signs associated with stage 1. That’s why keeping an eye out for these signs and consulting a doctor (and getting a second opinion) is crucial upon noticing any such changes. Survival rate The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program determines the survival rate of lung cancer based on whether it is localized, regional, or distant. Based on categorization, stage 1 lung cancer is localized, that is, the tumor is limited to one lung. So, the 5-year relative survival rate is around 65% for those with localized NSCLC. This indicates that 65% of those who underwent treatment for localized lung cancer survived for five years after the treatment.

According to the United States Cancer Statistics, the country reported 197,453 new cases of lung cancer in 2020, where males had higher fatality rates. Like other cancers, lung cancer is categorized by stages based on how widespread it is in the body. Generally, the higher the stage, the more severe the cancer. Late-stage lung cancer can exhibit a higher severity of symptoms but might also mean limited treatment options. Signs Late-stage lung cancer or stage 4 lung cancer is when the cancer has metastasized. Some patients get diagnosed at this stage due to its worsening symptoms. Before this, some overlook the symptoms or associate them with another condition. Persistent cough is among the most common signs of lung cancer. It can last for weeks or even months at a stretch. Some patients who experience hemoptysis should be quick to visit the doctor. Chest pain is another sign of late-stage lung cancer in patients. Patients experience sharp stabbing pains that may or may not be specific to a local area. Some patients report experiencing a dull kind of ache that persists all over their chest. Shortness of breath is present if the person has been performing activities that can tire or exert them. It is also known as dyspnea. It can progressively worsen to constant breathlessness even when at rest. Persistent and debilitating fatigue is another common sign. It is more severe than normal tiredness or exhaustion. Survival rate As the cancer progresses, treatment can get tricky. The organization also suggested that the five-year survival rate for late-stage NSCLC patients is 8%. In comparison, for people diagnosed with SMCL, it is 3%. However, with advanced technologies and upcoming treatments, it might be possible for patients to receive a better prognosis and higher survival rates. The statistics are based on the records of people who were diagnosed with advanced stages of lung cancer, and recent treatment options might help beat the odds.