LUNG CANCER

More people die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer. While many people think that smokers are the only ones at risk, lung cancer affects smokers and nonsmokers alike. Exposure to asbestos and radiation, as well as smoking tobacco products or exposure to second-hand smoke, contribute to the disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

Smoking is the leading risk factor for developing lung cancer, and is accountable for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer cases. A smoker’s risk for getting lung cancer is 30 times greater than the risk of a non-smoker. In addition to smoking, lung cancer can be caused by several factors, including exposure to:

Radon

Radiation

Pollution

Lung disease

Asbestos

Secondhand smoke

Signs and Symptoms

Catching lung cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and recognizing the symptoms is the first step. The most common symptom is a persistent cough that worsens over time. Other common symptoms associated with lung cancer include:

Constant chest pain

Blood-tinged spit

Coughing up blood

Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness

Repeat occurrences of infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis

Fever for no apparent reason

Swelling of the neck and face

Loss of weight due to a decrease in appetite

Fatigue

Prevention

Researchers continue to study the causes of lung cancer and ways to prevent it. Smoking tobacco products remains the number-one cause of lung cancer, while not smoking remains the number-one preventative measure. Quitting smoking at any age can lower your chances of getting lung cancer.

Survival

The lung cancer survival rate has consistently hovered around 15 percent since 1995. With several new drug developments and earlier detection rates, however, survival rates of lung cancer patients are rising. Keep an eye out for the symptoms, and consider having a CT scan to aid in early detection.

READ FULL ARTICLE

On Jan. 5, 2018, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that, effective April 1, 2018, employee benefit plans must comply with new requirements for disability benefit claims.

In 2016, the DOL released a final rule to strengthen the claims and appeals requirements for plans that provide disability benefits and are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). On Nov. 24, 2017, the DOL delayed the final rule for 90 days—until April 1, 2018—to give stakeholders the opportunity to submit comments on the final rule’s benefits and costs. Read Full Article

New research suggests that nearly 6 percent of cancers (792,600 cancer cases) can be at least partly attributed to obesity and diabetes. The study, which was published online on The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology website, states that diabetes and a high body mass index (greater than 25) are both associated with a higher risk of certain cancers and are increasing in prevalence.

Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes and obesity can be prevented with proper lifestyle changes, which include the following:

 Avoiding tobacco

 Exercising regularly

 Maintaining a healthy weight

 Eating a healthy diet and limiting your intake of unhealthy foods

 Managing your stress

 Regularly checking your cholesterol and blood pressure

 Visiting your doctor for routine preventive care Implementing the above prevention tips can help you remain healthy and avoid. Read More

Over 8,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed every year, primarily affecting men between the ages of 20 and 39.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for testicular cancer include the following:

• Age – Younger men are more likely to develop the disease.

• Race – Testicular cancer is most common among white males.

• An undescended testicle, even after corrective surgery.

• Congenital abnormalities – Men born with irregularities of the testicles, penis or kidneys, as well as those with a hernia in the groin, may be at an increased risk.

• Prior history of cancer in one testicle – the opposite testicle is then at a higher risk.

• A family history of testicular cancer.

Diagnosis

Several methods can be used to diagnose and identify the progression of testicular cancer:

• A physical exam – A thorough examination can rule out disorders other than cancer.

• Blood tests – Certain types of testicular cancer raise the level of specific substances in the blood. Blood tests that measure the levels of those substances are used to diagnose testicular cancer, and in some cases determine the extent of the disease.

• Ultrasound – Imaging techniques can help indicate possible tumors.