The leading cause of Small Cell Lung Cancer is smoking. Smokers run a much higher chance of contracting Small Cell Lung Cancer as compared to non-smokers. Anyone who is a smoker should see a doctor for regular examinations. The best chance someone has if they contract Small Cell Lung Cancer is catching it early. Those who catch the cancer in the first stage of development have up to a 40% chance of survival with the correct treatment. There are two forms of lung cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the least dangerous of the two. About 50% of the lung cancer cases reported is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. These are treatable.One of the early symptoms of lung cancer is a nagging cough that simply will not get better. Often the cough worsens with time and is accompanied by chronic chest pain. Coughing up blood is another of the many early symptoms of lung cancer. In fact, coughing up blood is one of the biggest symptoms that sends lung cancer patients to their doctors. Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia sometimes indicates that the disease is present. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more symptoms to watch out for if you suspect the disease. No matter what the symptoms are, if you have lung cancer, they will gradually progress in intensity as the disease progresses.

Cancers form when certain cells in the body grow and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. Lung cancer is classified into two main types- small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. An estimated 80 percent of lung cancer patients have non-small cell lung cancer. Smoking or inhaling second hand smoke, environmental exposures such as asbestos and radon gas, and a family history of lung cancer increase the risk of an individual getting lung cancer. However, some lung cancers arise in the absence of these risk factors. Factors that may protect people from lung cancer are not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and limiting exposure to potential carcinogens in the environment such as radon.

Most people would know the primary cause of lung cancer (after all there is so much propaganda about what increases the risk of lung cancer the most). Yes, smoking tobacco is the main culprit behind lung cancer (or behind increasing the risk of lung cancer). Even passive smoking can slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. It’s unfortunate that even with all that propaganda and people knowing that smoking can cause lung cancer, people continue to smoke tobacco. People working in industries which involve extensive use of asbestos and other chemical substances/fumes are also at a greater risk of lung cancer.

People addicted to tobacco and those who are constantly exposed to the ill effects of asbestos are more susceptible to lung cancer. Ignorance about the symptoms of lung cancer may lead to a full-fledged blown up case. Be on alert if you are having cough most of the time. This is one of the first symptoms. A related symptom may be a change in the nature of coughing. Other symptoms may be- being short of breath and coughing up bloodstained sputum. Mesothelioma research has established that aches while breathing, loss of appetite, fatigue and loss of weight can also be the first symptoms of the cancer of the lung.

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Lung cancer can be broken down into two types; small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer. SCLC accounts for approximately 20% of all lung cancers. It is often referred to as oat cell carcinoma because the small cells of the lung have a similar appearance to oats. SCLC develops when there is a rapid and uncontrollable growth in the small cells of the lung that eventually leads to a malignant (cancerous) tumour forming. In this article I will be discussing four risk factors that can contribute to the development of this cancer.1) SMOKING:- Tobacco smoke is the leading risk factor for all types of lung cancer. It is strongly linked with SCLC and is believed to be responsible for over 90% of cases. Even if you do not smoke personally being around others that do can significantly increase your risk of contracting this type of cancer.

The reason that tobacco smoke is such a strong risk factor for SCLC is that it is full of carcinogens (cancer causing substances). According to Cancer Research UK tobacco smoke can contain up to 70 different carcinogens. These carcinogens have been scientifically proven to damage DNA and alter important genes which can then cause your body’s cells to multiply in a rapid and uncontrollable way. When you inhale tobacco smoke (either directly through a cigarette or indirectly through second hand smoke) these carcinogens go straight to your lungs greatly improving the risk of lung cancer and SCLC developing.

2) URANIUM:- Exposure to uranium is thought to increase your risk of developing all types of lung cancer. However, it is most strongly linked with the development of SCLC. A combination of uranium exposure and exposure to tobacco smoke increases your chances of developing SCLC even further.

The reason uranium increases your risk of contracting SCLC is that uranium ores are radioactive. Radon (a gas that is created when uranium breaks down) is also highly radioactive. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to radioactive materials can cause cancer. When people are exposed to uranium it is often inhaled meaning that the radioactive materials are carried directly to the lungs. These radioactive materials can then cause cancerous growth in the small cells of the lungs.

3) ASBESTOS:- Asbestos is most strongly linked with a rare kind of cancer called mesothelioma. However, it has also been linked with increasing the risk for other types of lung cancer including SCLC. Asbestos exposure combined with tobacco smoke greatly increases your small cell lung cancer risk.

The reason asbestos increases your chances of developing SCLC is that when it becomes disturbed very fine fibres are released. These fibres irritate the body’s cells and can lead to the development of cancer. If they become lodged in the small cells of the lung they can stimulate the development of SCLC.

4) POOR DIET:- According to Cancer Research UK not getting enough fruit and vegetables in your diet can increase your risk of developing SCLC. The reason for this is that both fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, anti-oxidants and other chemicals that help prevent cell damage. If you are deficient in any of these then the small cells of your lung may be more susceptible to cancer.

SCLC is not a pleasant condition. However, unlike many other types of cancer where the risk factors are unclear, SCLC has a number of very definite risk factors. In particular smoking has been scientifically proven to significantly increase your small cell lung cancer risk. You can have a direct impact on your chances of getting this cancer. I hope this article has helped you see that.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Small cell lung cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.