OLBH Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist Answers Valuable Questions about Lung Cancer

Q. What is cancer?

Dr. Boujaoude: Cancer is a word that is used to describe a group of diseases. Many factors play a role in the development of a cancer - genetic background, physical environment, diet, as well as many unknown factors. The word cancer is scary for a lot of people. While there is good reason for fear, there also is a lot of hope. Medical progress in the treatment of cancer continues to be made.

Q. What is lung cancer?

Dr. Boujaoude: Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 15 percent of all cancer cases. It develops due to an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.

Q. How do I know if I have lung cancer?

Dr. Boujaoude: If you have experienced any lung cancer symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or repeated pneumonia or bronchitis, see your family doctor immediately. If lung cancer is suspected or detected, you may undergo a series of tests designed to confirm if the disease is present, and to determine if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Q. Is lung cancer more frequently diagnosed in men or in women?

Dr. Boujaoude: At this time, over half of the lung cancer cases in the U.S. are in men, but the number of women diagnosed with lung cancer is increasing and will soon equal that in men. Today, more women die of lung cancer than of breast cancer.

Q. What is a biopsy?

Dr. Boujaoude: A biopsy is a test in which tissue is removed from a suspicious area and examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is necessary for physicians to confirm a cancer diagnosis and to identify the specific type of cancer you have.

Q. What does staging mean?

Dr. Boujaoude: Staging is used to describe how advanced
a cancer is. Determining the stage of a cancer helps physicians in planning treatment and evaluating the results. Stages are described using the number 0 and Roman numerals from I to IV (1 to 4).

Q. What treatments are available for lung cancer?

Dr. Boujaoude: If you have lung cancer, your treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination, depending on the stage of your cancer.

Q. What things should I consider when facing lung cancer treatment?

Dr. Boujaoude: The most noteworthy aspects to consider are the type of cancer (small cell or non-small cell) and the stage of the cancer. Other factors to consider include your general health status, possible treatment-associated side effects, and the probability of curing the disease, quality of life, and relief symptoms.

Q. What side effects are likely to be experienced from cancer treatments?

Dr. Boujaoude: Each type of lung cancer treatment may have adverse effects that last for a few months. Some complications, however, can be permanent. Common side effects of your specific treatment should be discussed with your healthcare team. There also may be certain things you can do to speed up your recovery by being aware of the side effects before you start treatment.

When diagnosed with any type of cancer, it is important to be an active participant in your treatment process. Attending all treatments and appointments will help your healthcare team to carefully manage your care. If you have further questions concerning lung cancer, speak to your family physician or oncologist. If you do not have a family doctor, the Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital CareLine can refer you to a doctor who meets your needs; simply call (606) 833-CARE (2273).