Early Diagnosis Is The Key To Beating Lung Cancer | Affinity Health

Affinity Health raises awareness about the risk factors and patient outcomes of lung cancer, its prevention and the treatment options available.

01 August is World Lung Cancer Day.

The Global Cancer Observatory states that lung cancer is the world’s most common cancer, with over 2 million cases in 2018. The number of cases is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2040, with a global death toll of 3 million per year.

Smoking is, of course, a leading cause of lung cancer, and the number of cigarettes and length of time a person smokes, as well as second-hand smoke exposure, all increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

However, lung cancer can be caused by a variety of other factors.

For example, outdoor air pollution is responsible for 15% of lung cancer deaths, and indoor air pollution is also a factor. Stoves, fireplaces, heaters, and chemical compounds such as asbestos and radioactive gas are examples of indoor pollutants.

What Are the Treatment Options for Lung Cancer?

Small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are the two most common types of lung cancer. Different stages of lung cancer (from early detection to advanced forms of the disease) require different treatments, just like other types of cancer.

Chemotherapy uses chemical compounds to slow or stop the spread of cancer, while surgery removes cancer tissues. Lung.org shares that targeted therapy, which uses custom-made drugs to target specific biomarkers, is another option.

“Despite the numerous treatments available and depending on the stage of lung cancer at the time of diagnosis, the overall survival rate is five years,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Early detection of small tumours can, however, dramatically enhances your survival chances.”

How Can You Prevent Lung Cancer?

Quitting smoking and avoiding places where smokers gather can reduce the risk of lung cancer significantly, while public policy can help reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.

“Governments and employers have a responsibility to provide citizens and employees with safe public and working spaces. Each person should strive to live a healthy lifestyle by eating a varied diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and going for yearly physical check-ups,” adds Hewlett.

Affinity Health provides members with affordable Hospital Plans and Health Cover that gives you access to a variety of features and benefits when you need them most.

The benefit of an Affinity Health Hospital Plan is that you have a much wider range of hospitals and doctors to choose from than you would if you were a public patient. To discuss your healthcare options, contact Affinity today.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn