Lung Cancer?

[math]

my father died of lung cancer. the brothers and sisters of my father all died of cancer, too. am i gonna die of cancer also? is cancer heriditary? how can i protect myself?

[ginger13]

Don't smoke. It's the first rule. Check with your Doctor to see if you are in a high risk category.

[fresh_mcgraw]

Many cancers run in the families and the immediate relatives (siblings, parents, and children) of patients with cancers often have an increased risk of cancers. But if you don't smoke, watch your diet and exercise regularly then you're as clean as a whistle.But first, go and see a doctor

[May I help You?]

Call your doctor immediately, and tell at least the nurse if not the doctor your immediate fears...give them the history.Perhaps the doctor's office will refer you to immediate tests.Yes cancer does seem to run in families....you can protect yourself by having whatever tests the doctor says are needed.Best of luck, and please be a non-smoker, and don't stay around second-hand smoke - even in restaurants...It kills!

[oddball]

There is good news and bad news.The Good News: Many times the traits for something like cancer will skip a generation.The Bad News: The Good News is not guaranteed.This is still a good indicator for you to see a doctor and get regular chest XRays. Remember, lung cancer is very serious, but, as with any cancer, the sooner it is detected the better your chance of recovery.A friend of mine had lung cancer discovered in the very early staged because he was having a CAT Scan of his heart. He lost 1/3 of his left lung and has been cancer free for the last 4 years. He make it clear to all his friends that his was caught at the very earliest stages, before it spread to others areas.