A former Nigerian senator, Annie Okonkwo, who represented Anambra Central, is dead.
According to a family source, Mr. Okonkwo died in the United States after a prolonged illness.
Annie had previously battled lung cancer and successfully recovered.
However, in April, the cancer returned, and he required life support until his passing.
While the cause of the lung cancer that led to the demise of Annie Okonkwo remains unknown.
It is imperative that we take a minute to learn a little more than we already know about lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world.
This disease occurs mostly in men over 50 years old, most often between the ages of 60 and 75.
It is diagnosed in young patients very rarely.
In fighting lung cancer, it is important to know what causes it and how to remedy it.
Lung cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division in the lungs.
Your cells divide and make more copies of themselves as part of their normal function.
Damaged cells dividing uncontrollably create masses, or tumors, of tissue that eventually keep your organs from working properly.
Causes Of Lung Cancer
1. Smoking
Although people who have never smoked can also develop the condition, smoking is one of the major causes of lung cancer.
Smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer.
It’s responsible for more than 7 out of 10 cases.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 60 different toxic substances that are known to be carcinogenic (cancer-producing).
Also, frequent exposure to other people’s tobacco smoke (passive smoking) can put you at high risk of cancer.
Other tobacco products that could increase the risk of lung and other kinds of cancer are:
- Cigar
- Pipe tobacco
- Snuff (tobacco in powder form)
- Chewing tobacco
Other causes of lung cancer are:
2. Occupational exposure and pollution
Exposure to certain chemicals and substances that are used in several occupations and industries may increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
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These chemicals and substances include:
- arsenic
- asbestos
- beryllium
- cadmium
- coal and coke fumes
- silica
- nickel
- Radon
Symptoms
Lung cancer typically doesn’t cause signs and symptoms in its earliest stages.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer typically occur when the disease is advanced.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- A new cough that doesn’t go away
- Coughing up blood, even a small amount
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Losing weight without trying
- Bone pain
- Headache
When to see a doctor
If you smoke and have been unable to quit, make an appointment with your doctor.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you.
Your doctor can recommend strategies for quitting smoking, such as counseling, medications, and nicotine replacement products.
Is there a cure for lung cancer?
Lung cancer is better prevented than cured.
It can be considered cured if diagnosed before it spreads, though experts don’t often use the word “cured” to describe cancer.
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More common terms are “remission” or “no evidence of disease” (NED).
If you’ve been in remission or NED for five years or more, you might be considered cured.
However, there is a small chance that cancer cells could come back.
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