Those who are closest to me know that more often than not I look at the lighter side of life. I think it is important to laugh often and encourage those around us to laugh. Nothing is sweeter than listening to a child’s laughter fill a room. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my Grandmother and my Great Aunt Vicky when I was able to provoke a good ol‘ leg slap of laughter. My grandpa Baker died before I had much time to get to know him; what I do remember is that he was a prankster who was always doing something to someone to entice good humor. My memories of my Uncle Richard include the twinkle in his eye as he would spin a tale of some funny story that caught me off guard and made me laugh; sometimes I didn’t even know what was so funny.
Now, I will be the first to admit that my family is a kind of circus of sorts—I never know who will be wearing the top hat, cracking the whip of wit and evoking laughter. However, I am not writing about the humor, but rather the tragedy of laughter cut short. You see, my grandpa Baker died of a heart attack when I was 8 years old, and my maternal grandmother died with emphysema caused by cigarette smoking before the risks were well known. My Uncle Richard and Aunt Janice both died of lung cancer, caused by the mighty addiction to cigarettes; therefore, the subject of lung cancer hits close to home.
Obviously, those who smoke are at the greatest risk of contracting lung cancer. Of course, the longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you use, the higher your risk. But, even after smoking for many years, you can still significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer by quitting smoking. Although 87% of all lung cancers are in people who smoke or have a history of smoking, there are other risk factors, which include secondhand smoke, age (50 years and older), radon, environmental and industrial chemicals such as asbestos, beryllium and uranium, and air pollution. I think it’s interesting that African Americans smoke at the same rate as Caucasians but have a higher rate of lung cancer. Military veterans have a rate of lung cancer that is 76% higher than the national average.
Early detection and prevention is the key to winning the battle against cancer and especially, lung cancer. It’s recommended that the following people have a detailed discussion with their healthcare providers concerning the benefits and risks of getting a baseline CT scan to screen for lung cancer: those over age 50 with a history of cigarette smoking or exposure to significant secondhand smoke; veterans who were on active duty aboard submarines or in the Vietnam or Gulf Wars; and individuals with exposure to asbestos, nuclear propulsion, herbicides, battlefield emissions, or other carcinogens.
Lung cancer doesn’t have many signs and symptoms in its earliest stages—those typically occur in advanced stages of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: a new cough that doesn’t go away, changes in a chronic cough or “smoker’s cough,” coughing up even a small amount of blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, hoarseness, weight loss without trying, bone pain, and headaches. It’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.
Smoking cessation is the best thing you can do for your health. Talk with your healthcare provider or call 800-QUIT-NOW for ways to help you kick the habit. Lung cancer isn’t about what you’ll miss; it’s about those closest to you and their reminiscing about how things might have been. A grandchild, nephew, son, or daughter will one day remember the twinkle in your eye and the laughter that once filled the season.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
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