New Test May Reveal An Otherwise Undectable Sign Of Lung Cancer

New Test May Reveal An Otherwise Undectable Sign Of Lung Cancer
By Adrian Zhu

Early detection improves chances of survival in lung cancer
patients. So any form of detection that can amplify a sign of
lung cancer can lead to earlier treatment and better success of
eradication. 

British scientists are developing a "breathalyzer" which may
revolutionize the detection of in its early stages.
The device works by detecting ethane, which is released by
cancerous cells in the lungs and is sensitive to one part per
billion. The technology for this early detection device was
developed for oil prospecting. 

Dr Kenneth Skeldon, of the University of Glasgow, said "Early
detection and monitoring of cancer and other serious diseases
hugely improves the effectiveness of treatment and the
possibility of cure. People can produce a higher trace of ethane
in their breath when cancer strikes." 

Lung cancer has very low survival rates, making early detection
of any sign of big news. Only about 5% of people who
get live for more than five years after it is
diagnosed. The main reason has such a low survival
rate is that it has been so difficult to detect in early stages.

What are the causes of Lung Cancer? 

As much as 80% of occurs in active or ex-smokers
and an additional 5% of cases are estimated to occur because of
passive exposure to tobacco smoke. Exposure to asbestos or radon
are also risk factors, through not as common. 

How serious is Lung Cancer? 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men
and women and the incidence continues to grow worldwide. It is
responsible for more deaths than breast and prostate cancer
combined. 

How is treated? 

Treatment depends on the size, type and stage of the tumor and
on your own personal health. In general, there are three types
of treatment used in the management of lung cancer: 

Surgery: Removing the tumor by surgery is the most common form
of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, if the cancer has
not spread. If the cancer has spread and surgery is not
possible,

radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used to control
symptoms by reducing the size of the tumor. 

Radiation Therapy: is a general term for the treatment of
cancer using x-rays. It is done by directing high-energy beams
at the areas of the lung that need treatment. Radiotherapy works
by killing cancerous cells and can be used either on its own or
in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Improvements in
Radiation Therapy technology involves 

Chemotherapy: is the general term for the treatment of cancer
using drugs. The drugs that are used are designed to kill off
cancer cells while causing less damage to normal cells. There
are many different types of chemotherapy drugs which can be used
on their own or, more commonly, in combinations. 

Some dietary factors are also being studied in how they may
impact the survivability of lung cancer. However, no form of
nutrition provides for a "proven treatment" for any cancer.
Because of this, diet should be considered an important
complementary aspect to standard therapy, but should not be
viewed as an alternative cancer cure. As a form of complementary
care, many case studies have been written showing improvement to
quality of life during standard care. When we consider the
typical diet consumed by people prior to dealing with cancer, a
diet of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods is likely to provide
benefit to anyone. If you are dealing with cancer, consult with
your doctor or a trained nutrition professional to determine
what improvements you may make in your diet and support the
nourishment needs of the cells.

About the Author: Read more about cancer research news at
http://www.cancerresearchnewsonline.com This article is found at
http://www.cancerresearchnewsonline.com/Sign_of_Lung_Cancer_Early_Detection_Increases_Survival.html

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