This lung cancer facts and information overview and its associated articles will give you everything you need to know to help you increase your personal odds of beating lung cancer - the symptoms, the diagnosis and all the latest options on lung cancer treatments and therapies - from lung cancer drugs and chemotherapy to surgery, radiotherapy and complementary therapies; including all the very latest alternative cancer treatments and new therapies and research on lung cancer. We will even cover the types of lung cancer, and lung cancer prevention.

This article has been compiled by  Chris Woollams from worldwide research and expert sources.*

Read the whole article below or just select the part(s) that you are interested in from the list below and click onto that piece.

 Introduction

Lung cancer is still the Number 1 British cancer and despite efforts to reduce smoking and asbestos, it is still growing. More women die from lung cancer than breast cancer. The orthodox medical therapies seem numerous, but have really been quite limited in success until recently. Perhaps this is why more and more patients are turning to complementary therapies, and even some alternative ones. You are on the only UK web site that can fully help with this. Here, you can plan your own, all-embracing, treatment programme, with Cancer - Your first 15 Steps; (We even have a little book by the same name). You can then access a world of Complementary Therapies for example, start with a kiddies guide to them all.  They arent all going to leave you short of breath.

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Early indications of Lung Cancer

Diagnosing Lung cancer early is extremely important to outcome.

The main symptoms to look for are:

• Chest infections that wont go away, even with antibiotics
• A cough for more than 3 weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Feeling very out of breath
• Losing your voice -  but no sore throat
• Chest pains
• Losing weight but not sure why

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The causes of lung cancer

At the 2004 Cancer Prevention Conference organized by CANCERactive in London, a person (who was very senior in the Cancer industry) turned to me and behind his hand whispered, Of course, wed get rid of cancer if people just stopped smoking. To which I replied (knowing they would never do it), Well youre in the Government Why dont you just ban cigarettes and smoking!

Firstly, the Government would lose all that lovely revenue, secondly, the Tobacco boys would lobby and lobby and take them to court. Thirdly, there would be public outcry. And lastly, it is naivety like this that fuels the growth of cancer in the UK.

 Just over a third of all lung cancers develop in people who have never been exposed to smoke

Dont just take my view. Recent Canadian research from Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto and covered in Cancer Watch was quite clear: Just over a third of all lung cancers develop in people who have never been exposed to smoke. They dont smoke, never did, dont frequent places filled with smoke, nor have a family member who smokes. Many of these people are young and female said lead researcher Dr Matasha Leighl. This has been confirmed by studies in California where researchers feel it is extremely likely that a combination of hormone changes (natural and chemical) plus an increasing level of airborne pollutants is behind the lung cancer increases.

But then, our attitude to cancer at this charity is that rarely does any one single factor cause a cancer. Whilst we are extremely happy to see smoking banned in public places in the UK from July 1st 2007, our view is that it is more likely that combinations of factors cause cancer either by directly altering your DNA, and/or by weakening your immune system to allow a rogue cell to beat the system and thrive.

So lets look at some of these possible contributory factors:

1 Yes, Smoking is a risk factor, as is passive smoking. Worse for females, the lung cancer factor seems to be carried on the X chromosome and females have two to a males one. Research indicated in 2003, that women thus had twice the risk as men from identical levels of secondary smoke.

2 And theres asbestos weve all heard about asbestos in the work place. This can have a direct effect on the cells of the lung tissues. But asbestos is the cousin of ..

3 Talcum Powder: Not for nothing is there a warning on certain packs saying Do not use near your babys nose or mouth. But then talcum powder is the main constituent of some face packs, powder puffs, mascaras etc

4 Radon: Rarely mentioned in UK cancer reports, in the USA they believe this gas which bubbles up through the floor of houses that are over rocks containing uranium, accounts for as much as 26 per cent of all lung cancers. There are definitely regions in the UK where this is more prevalent (eg. The West Country) and you can have your house checked out by the National Radiological Protection Agency if you are concerned.

 Radon may account for 26% of lung cancers

5 Diesel Fumes: Like Radon the dangerous elements are particulate and stick to dust particles, which you then breathe. Once inside your lungs they are very hard to oust. Again US cancer charities talk about 23 per cent of all lung cancers forming in this way. Of most concern is that smoking, plus radon, plus diesel fumes seem to multiply up, two or three concurrent factors greatly increasing risk. Certainly people living near main roads in dense traffic areas seem to have higher risk.

Diesel fumes may account for 23% of lung cancers

6 Formaldehyde: There are numerous studies on the toxicity of this chemical. You can find higher levels in houses that have lots of wood chip (it comes from the glues used), even from glues used under some carpet and ceiling tiles. Worryingly, many personal care products contain it. It can be called by a variety of names and has a number of similar, closely related cousins in all about 40. It is found in shampoos and nail polishes, for example, though not in Sweden and Japan where it is banned.

7 Arsenic: June 12 Issue of the Journal of The National Cancer Institute reports that high levels of Arsenic found in contaminated water, can result in increased risk ten years or more after consumption. But they could have reported on other heavy metals like chromium. There have been a number of incidences worldwide where heavy metal contamination by factories on local water supplies has resulted in increases in lung cancer.

8 Oestrogen: US research in 2004 and covered in Cancer Watch showed that certain types of lung cancer were fuelled by oestrogen - this is quite commonly oestradiol in the body - or even oestrogen mimics (Xeno-oestrogens) from all manner of everyday chemicals. Contrary to urban mythology, research conducted by various groups including the US Cancer Prevention Coalition has shown that by far the biggest concentration of such chemical pollutants is not in the center of cities but actually inside your own home. Cleaning agents, personal products, toiletries, plastic bottles and pesticides are likely culprits. (See our article: As safe as Houses). There is more than a little concern that synthetic oestrogen supplements (like HRT) may also heighten risk. Being overweight will also increase natural oestrogen levels in the body. Some foods like broccoli (Indole 3 Carbinol) will help, others will hinder and you should read both Pillar II and Pillar III  of the causes of cancer to understand more.

9 Tuberculosis: There is some evidence that there is an increased risk amongst people who have had TB especially in areas of the lung where there is scar tissue.

10 Hereditary links: Recent research showing that families of smokers had a 70 per cent risk rather than a more normal individual increased risk of 30-40 per cent, has fuelled the idea that some families carry a lung cancer gene. However this may be overly simplistic. The BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes, although identified when studying breast cancer, actually control the ability of the cell to regenerate its DNA and correct faults, and to allow the immune system to better identify rogue cells. There is even some evidence that Statins (those cholesterol lowering wonder drugs) can act as preventative agents for lung cancer. Only time will clarify all of this.

11 X-Rays: There is quite a lot of evidence (for example from women with breast cancer who had radiotherapy treatment) that X-rays to the chest region can play a part in causing lung cancer.

...the important point is not to dwell on things that have happened but understand what factors might still be present and maintaining your cancer. Then formulate an action plan.

Now, the important point is that we are not listing the possible contributory factors so that you dwell on things that have happened in the past. We want you to understand what factors might still be present in your life and might be contributing to the maintenance of your cancer. Then you can formulate an action plan. There are, for example, minerals you can take, like selenium, or complex compounds like chlorella that can help you eliminate heavy metals, if you fear they have played a part. Or you can act to lower the oestrogen (natural and synthetic) in your life oestrogen that might be fuelling your cancer right now. You can find out comprehensive information on these topics and more elsewhere on this site.

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Types of lung cancer

Lung cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining the air passages. Medical experts have decided to categorise it into three types:

i) Small Cell

About 20 per cent of all lung cancers, (sometimes called oat cell lung cancer). A two-stage system describes the spread:

1. either limited, meaning the cancer is confined to a portion of the chest where it originated, or
2. extensive, meaning the cancer has spread throughout the lung or even out from the chest area.

This cancer can spread very quickly.  In many cases, cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body when the disease is diagnosed. This rapid spread limits the treatment options.  In order to reach cancer cells throughout the body, doctors almost always use chemotherapy, although they may use radiotherapy, in some cases even as a preventative measure, for example with the brain.

ii) Non-small cell

Non-small cell lung cancer represents about 80 per cent of all lung cancers. There are three sub-groups determined by the type of cell found in each case:

1. squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma)
2. adenocarcinoma
3. large cell carcinoma

Non-small cell lung cancer is described using four stages:

• stage I The cancer is confined to the lung;
• stages II and III. The cancer is confined to the chest;
• stage IV. The cancer has spread from the chest.

iii) Mesothelioma

This is now an increasingly rare cancer found in the chest and abdominal lining. Sadly it mainly affects people who have had occupational exposure to asbestos particles.

NB There is a 4th type of lung cancer which is a SECONDARY from a primary cancer elsewhere. This may not be governed by the classifications above. It is a metastasis from the breast, colon or prostate cancer (for example) and is better categorised by its origins.

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Treatment options

A number of factors govern the actual treatment chosen, For example the type of lung cancer (non-small or small cell lung cancer), its location, size, and extent of the tumour. The general strength and health of the patient is also a factor. But the most important factor is how early the cancer is diagnosed. For 80 per cent of patients surgery is not an option because the cancer has been diagnosed so late.
 Broadly the treatments fall under five headings:
Surgery: may be used to remove a part of the lung (a resection), or an entire lobe (a lobectomy). On occasion surgery is simply not an option because of the size and/or location of the tumour and/or the patients general state of health.

Ultrasound: Still in its infancy in the UK where it is used a little for prostate and kidney cancers, it is however much more commonly used in the USA and Europe. Radiofrequency Ablation (the technical term for Ultrasound action on cancer cells at high temperature is covered extensively on this web site. It could be a safe and feasible alternative for those patients with Non-small cell lung cancer according to Professor S Batra of UCLA San Francisco. Where the tumour is solid/concentratred in prostate cancer, ultrasound literally melts the cancer away, with minimal side effects. 
Radiotherapy: may be used before surgery in an attempt to shrink a tumour, or after surgery to attempt to destroy remaining cancer cells. It may also be used with chemotherapy as primary treatment instead of surgery or even to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath. Most usually external radiation is used but occasionally implants may be suggested
Chemotherapy:  Drugs are growing ever more targeted and ever more sophisticated. They may be used to stop the growth of the tumour and to kill all cancer cells, whether they remain in the lung or are outside. Some now target the blood supplies of the tumour. For information on your Cancer Drugs and chemotherapy click here. Most drugs are administered orally or via a tube into a vein in the arm (a catheter). The biggest problem is that lung cancer cells develop long-term resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Researchers have also found that cells with high levels of two proteins FGF-1 and S6K2 are more resistant to drugs in the first place.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) Increasingly popular in the USA, it is now making a mark to in the UK as better photosensitive agents and lasers are being developed. We have clear reports elsewhere on our site that you should look at. Increasingly this therapy is used to treat the cancer and some of the symptoms. Sadly, it is much more a mainstream option in the USA than the UK, even though it now reasonably well established and the new agents have low side effects.
Cryosurgery: Used with Non-small cell tumours, it involves tissue being frozen to destroy abnormal cells. This is usually done with a special instrument that contains liquid nitrogen or liquid carbon dioxide.
NB: Although we always try to write in easy-to-understand words, you may find that some web sites, information leaflets, Doctors and Nurses use words that are not as easy to understand. For that reason we have compiled a list of all the technical words they commonly use called DOCTORSPEAK, the list turns it all into simple, easy to understand English. You can find this list of words by clicking here.

Click here and read our article "What is Cancer"

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Lung Cancer Chemotherapy Drugs

You can see an overview of the drugs available by clicking this link. The general list includes carboplatin, cisplatin, vinorelbine, germcitabine, taxotere (docetaxel) and Taxol New drugs such as Iressa, erlotinib, gefitinib and AS1404 show promise for certain patients. Stimuvax is in Phase II trials and is a vaccine but treats existing cancers. Treatment may be as an outpatient or by spending a few days in hospital.

Treatment for anaemia: Managing and counteracting anaemia can reduce death from anaemia by 50 per cent. Research published by the Cochrane Collaboration showed that epoetins (alfa and beta epoetin) show significant survival benefits. Particularly striking were the results for patients with solid tumours (Breast, lung, colon) where risk of death decreased by 51 per cent).  In a second study (European Soc. For Medical Oncology- 31st Oct 2005) epotin beta was shown to reduce risk of tumour progression in patients with anaemia 
Fatigue: icon has run several pieces on fatigue. A qualified naturopath will be able to suggest dietary changes to boost energy levels. Qualified homeopaths may be able to suggest ways to counter fatigue. Energy therapists ( eg. acupuncture, cranial osteopaths, Reiki Masters) may well be able to help. Italian research showed a lack of acetyl-carnitine  which supplementation could correct. UCLA scientist report that a series of genetic markers become blocked either due to the cancer or due to the chemotherapy treatment. The California team note promising results with Etanercept. Apparently 30 per cent of women who have had chemo for breast cancer have long-term fatigue, even after the cancer has gone. This may well be true for other cancers.

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Other

In 1997 Dr Jack Roth of the MD Anderson Center, Texas pioneered work using a genetically engineered virus coupled with Radiotherapy. Two patients (Alfredo Gonzalvo, now78, and Bernis Testers, now 84) were given the adenovirus (the common cold virus) as a vector to take healthy copies of the p53 gene right into their lung cancer tumours. In all, to date, over 600 people have been treated and in half the cases the tumour has shrunk. The immune system does try to kick the cold virus out before it has reached the tumour, so Roth has found a way of encasing it in liposomes to get past the immune system into the tumour.
There seems to be a protective gene for lung cancer. Although very little is known about the molecular basis for this disease, scientist have found a gene LIMDI) which is reduced in all lung cancer cells analysed apparently though it is missing in many types of cancer.
US research on Swedish women with silicone breast implants (Yes, seriously!) showed that while they had no higher risk of breast cancer, cases of lung cancer were higher than expected (Journal of the Nat. Cancer Inst. 2006; 98; 557)
There is one research study, which shows that people taking synthetic beta-carotene (as opposed to natural forms) have increased levels of lung cancer.
You can plan the correct Diet for Chemotherapy, or sort out your supplements, (take natural ones like chlorella, total vitamin E, Vitamin D, and minerals likeselenium  there is evidence that synthetic beta-carotene can make lung cancer problems worse!). You can even study diet therapies like the noted Gerson Therapy or the Clinical Trials of Dr Gonzalez in New York. Well even tell you about the faith healerJohn of God  and, yes, he does get results!

You can read other peoples experience of beating Lung Cancer and get some insights in our section called Living Proof.
Or go to our Home page to find a list of the ten hottest topics we have covered recently in our magazine we promise one or two will definitely be relevant to you.

On this web site you will find more information about more treatment options (Complementary and Alternative, not just Orthodox), and on more possible contributory factors to the development and maintenance of your cancer, than on any other UK cancer web site. Some experts believe that approaching your cancer in this total way can increase an individuals chances of survival by as much as 60 per cent.
  Approaching your cancer in this total way can increase an individuals chances of survival by as much as 60 per cent

This is all supported by the very latest research evidence from all over the world in our news section Cancer Watch. 
 
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