A Short Note On Prevention And Treatment Of Lung Cancer

Over the years, Lung Cancer, a very serious issue, has become more and more common through the increasing amount of cigarette smokers. Many lung cancer treatments are starting to be questioned by both patients and their families. One common treatment is Radiotherapy. Throughout this report, the effectiveness and reliability of this treatment will be discussed and explained. Radiotherapy Radiotherapy is a is a method of treating a particular disease, most commonly being a type of cancer. To do this, different forms of radiation are used, such as X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams or protons. Whichever form of radiation is used then forms a focused beam of energy and sends it directly to the cancerous cells, while minimising exposure to†¦show more content†¦The most common lung cancer is non-small cell carcinoma which mainly affects cells which line the airways. The symptoms of lung cancer can include the following. (Cancer Australia, 2015) Coughing up blood – this is called Haemoptysis A chest infection that won’t go away Chest pain and/or shoulder pain Shortness of breath and wheezing Weight loss or loss of appetite There are many treatment options for lung cancer. Which is used depends on the stage of the disease, how severe the symptoms are and the persons health. Most lung cancers can be treated using surgery to remove the tumour from the lung. Radiotherapy mixed with chemotherapy is also commonly used. (Cancer Research UK, 2014) Explain the benefits of Science in Radiotherapy Over the years, science has benefited patients who are undergoing radiotherapy largely. One of the largest benefits is the fact that unlike chemotherapy; a systemic treatment that travels through the body, radiotherapy is delivered to one particular location within the body. This then means that damage to healthy cells can be avoided. For example, the radiation will be sent directly to the cancer in the body, whereas chemotherapy tends to damage most healthy cells throughout the body, whilst on the way to the cancer. If it wasn t for science, people wouldn t have the option to undergo radiotherapy and they would have to live with the side