Lung cancer: Having bronchitis may be an early indicator

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in the world today. A new report reveals that contracting this sickness may become an early sign of the disease.

Express reports that bronchitis may become an early indicator of lung cancer. The signs and symptoms of lung cancer usually do not show up until the cancer itself has progressed, so spotting any subtle changes may be something to keep in mind. However, like with any other type of disease and not just cancer, many of the symptoms that are experienced may indicate other conditions, either serious or treatable.

Other symptoms of lung cancer include chest, back, or shoulder pains, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, coughing up phlegm or mucus, loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle wasting, headaches, bone fractures, swelling in the face or in the neck, bleeding, blood clots, and some neurological symptoms like memory loss.

In case you or someone you know may be experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. They may prescribe the patient to undergo tests in order to determine the presence of cancer cells or not.

Although there is no exact cause for lung cancer, it is usually developed over time through many factors. Heavy smoking increases the risk, as well as constant exposure to cancerous substances like asbestos. Inhaling secondhand smoke also increases the risk of developing lung cancer, so it is best to keep away from smoking as well as steer clear of smoking areas. Exposure to pollution and previous respiratory diseases also increase the risk.

Meanwhile, as medical and technological advancements are made over recent years, sometimes there is a lot of red tape when introducing these advancements. A report by Bloomberg reveals that a drug for lung cancer called Tecentriq was rejected by the United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for not being cost-effective.

According to the organization, the average cost of lung cancer treatment with the drug would cost $43,100 alone. This is a high price to pay for patients, despite the drug’s ability to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight the cancer cells. It may be proven effective in extending survival in lung cancer patients by both the United States and European regulators, it is not economical enough.