Lung cancer: what are the early symptoms and how to raise funds for treatment?

Lung cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but certain risk factors greatly increase the chances of developing the disease. Knowledge of these factors is essential for the prevention and early detection of this cancer.

Lung cancer: risk factors

1. Smoking

It is undeniable that smoking is the main cause of the development of this type of cancer. According to recent statistics, about 85% of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. This applies to both active smokers and passive smokers who inhale nicotine and other chemical substances over the long term.

What the statistics show:

• 1 in 10 long-term smokers develop lung cancer

• Even passive smoking increases the risk of developing cancer by 20%

2. Impact of air pollution

Air pollution also plays an important role as a risk factor for cancer. Microscopic particles emitted from vehicles, industrial production and other sources can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause significant and long-term damage.

3. Exposure to carcinogens - asbestos, radon and other chemicals

Some occupations also put people at higher risk. Exposure to asbestos, a material used in construction and manufacturing, is known to lead to the development of malignant tumours. In addition, radon, a natural gas found in soil, can seep into homes and pose a risk to people who live in areas with high concentrations of this gas.

What can we do?

Avoiding these risk factors is critical. Smoking cessation, minimising exposure to polluted air and regular preventive check-ups can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing this cancer.

Diagnosis: What do we need to know about the symptoms?

Symptoms of lung cancer can vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease and the individual health characteristics of the patient. Recognising these symptoms is extremely important as early detection can save lives.

Common symptoms:

• Cough: One of the most common symptoms of lung cancer is a prolonged cough. It usually does not go away with time and may become more frequent, and in some cases, blood is secreted when coughing.

• Shortness of breath. Patients often have difficulty breathing, even with light exercise. This is due to blockage of the airway or pressure from the tumor on the lungs.

• Chest pain. They may be constant or occur with deep breathing or coughing. It is important to keep in mind that pain is not always associated with this organ alone - pain sensations can also radiate to the shoulders or back.

Symptoms of lung cancer can develop slowly and gradually, often making early diagnosis difficult. In the initial stages, they may be mild or absent altogether. Over time, however, symptoms worsen, making it important to seek medical attention at the first sign of discomfort.

Early symptoms for lung cancer: why is it easy to miss them?

Early symptoms of lung cancer are often difficult to recognize because they can easily be confused with more common and less serious illnesses such as bronchitis or the common cold. This makes early diagnosis difficult and delayed.

Is lung cancer curable?

The answer to the question of whether lung cancer can be cured depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. Treatment options vary greatly, with the most effective methods directly related to how early the disease is diagnosed.

Treatment options according to the stage of the disease:

If diagnosed early, the disease can be treated successfully most often by surgery in which the tumor is removed. This is the preferred approach for small and well-localized tumors. If the cancer is more advanced, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually given to destroy the cancer cells or reduce the size of the tumour.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have also become increasingly important in recent years, especially for patients with advanced disease. These methods use the body's natural immune system or special drugs that attack specific molecules on cancer cells.

How much does lung cancer treatment cost?

Treatment can be extremely expensive as the cost depends on the stage of the disease, the treatment chosen and the length of therapy.

Main costs of lung cancer treatment

The main costs include diagnostic tests such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan and biopsy. Once the diagnosis is made, costs for hospitalization, medications and therapies follow. For example, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can cost tens of thousands of euros per course, and these treatments often require several courses to successfully manage the disease.

Reducing costs through programmes and organisations

There are a variety of government programs and organizations that offer help for cancer patients. These programs may provide subsidies for treatment or cover part of the cost of drugs and therapies. It is also possible to use charitable funds or crowdfunding platforms to raise funds, such as PavelAndreev.ORG, which help patients cover the prohibitive costs of treatment.

Start a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG.

How can I raise money for lung cancer patients?

Raising funds for treatment is essential for many patients who often face unaffordable costs. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to provide financial support through both personal campaigns and charities. Here are some of the most effective methods.

Personal fundraising campaigns

Online crowdfunding platforms such as PavelAndreev.ORG give people the opportunity to create personal fundraising campaigns. Through these platforms, you can share your story or that of a lung cancer patient by giving a wide range of people the opportunity to donate. Sharing your campaign on social media can extend its reach and attract a large audience.

Donor organisations

Many charities specialise in providing help for people with cancer. Some can offer financial support for treatment or even provide vital medication to tackle the disease.

How to start an online fundraising campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform?

The PavelAndreev.ORG platform was created with the mission of helping people battling serious illnesses like cancer. This online platform is user-friendly and enables people to share their stories and gain support from the public. But how do you run a successful campaign?

Steps to start a campaign:

1. The first and most important step is to launch your campaign directly by clicking the "Start Campaign" button. By doing this, you automatically create your profile on the platform. This profile will allow you to manage your campaign and communicate with your donors.

2. Then, you need to describe the situation - what are your needs or those of the patient. Include detailed information about the diagnosis, treatment needed and costs. Personal stories often touch the hearts of donors and increase the chances of success.

3. Once the campaign is set up, it is important to promote it. Share it actively on social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, X(Twitter) and YouTube. Ask friends and family to do the same. This will help you reach a wider audience.

Tips for a successful campaign

To engage donors, it's important to keep your campaign active. Post regular updates on the patient's condition and the progress of treatment. Thank donors publicly and encourage people to share the campaign with others. Posting photos will make the campaign more recognizable and personal, often leading to more engagement and more people willing to donate to it.

The PavelAndreev.ORG platform not only provides a tool for fundraising, but also creates a community of people willing to support cancer patients, making the process more meaningful and successful.

Each of you can contribute something to the lives of people battling lung cancer. Whether you support a campaign, donate funds or simply share the story, your help is invaluable. Through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform, you have the opportunity to be part of the change - to provide hope and support to those who need it. Together, let's give more people the chance to get the life-saving treatment they need!