As reported by the ACS (American Cancer Society), lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer (behind skin cancer) for both men AND women in the United States. There are still many misconceptions about the disease, however. If you have any questions or concerns about this pervasive disease you should always feel free to discuss them with your Primary Care Physician in Los Gatos.
Let’s shed some truth on common myths about Lung Cancer!
Myth: You can only get lung cancer if you smoke.
Truth: This is probably the most common myth about lung cancer that exists. There are between 16,000 to 24,000 lung cancer deaths each year that happen to people who do not smoke. Your family doctor in Los Gatos will confirm that you don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer. If you’re exposed to radon gas, work in a place where there are carcinogens, have an inherited genetic mutation, live where there are high levels of air pollution or are around second hand smoke your risk for getting lung cancer increases.
Myth: If I’m female, I don’t have to worry because more women die from breast cancer than lung cancer.
Truth: Your best primary care physician in Los Gatos will tell you that lung cancer deaths are more common in women than deaths from breast, uterine and ovarian cancers combined.
Have a discussion with your doctor about survival rates, but lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. This is true for everyone, male and female.
Myth: If I get screened for lung cancer and the test is clear, I can continue smoking.
When you’re at your best primary care physician in Los Gatos you can ask to be screened for lung cancer if:
- you are a current smoker or if you stopped smoking within the last 15 years.
- you are between the ages of 55 and 80.
- you have smoked a pack a day for thirty years.
Truth: Even if your screen is clear you should stop smoking. Ask your primary care doctor in Los Gatos for advice on smoking cessation programs in your area. Every day that you don’t smoke can decrease the risk for developing lung cancer!
Myth: There are no good treatments for lung cancer.
Truth: Let’s face it, nobody wants to get lung cancer. But if you are worried you have it, talking with the best urgent care Los Gatos, CA physicians can ease your mind. A one hundred percent cure doesn’t usually happen but lung cancer IS treatable.
Options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Immunotherapies
- A combination of several treatments
Your urgent care in Los Gatos, CA doctors will tell you that there is always hope. Chances of survival depend on getting in early before the tumors spread beyond the lungs.
Getting in while you’re at a Stage 1 will give you a survival rate of 75%. If you wait until you’re at a Stage 5, the survival rate is under 5%.
Lung cancer may not be curable, but getting treatment can not only extend your life but ease a lot of the symptoms as well.
Call 408-502-6040 or Book an Appointment with Dr. Arun Villivalam, the best primary care physician in Los Gatos.
Read More About Adult Physicals Services Offered by Dr V at Los Gatos Doc, Inc.