November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Lung cancer is when the cells in our lungs grow abnormally to form tumors that interfere with our ability to breathe.
There are two main types of lung cancer:
- Small cell lung cancer occurs in heavy smokers.
- Non-small cell lung cancer is the general term for all other types of lung cancers.
Nearly 220,000 people are affected by lung cancer in the U.S. and about 142,000 pass away from it. This is in part because many people do not experience any symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. For this reason, yearly lung cancer screenings are highly recommended to anyone who has a history of smoking, has a family history of lung cancer, or has been exposed to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and other carcinogens.
To learn more about lung cancer, click HERE.
Smoking can cause Lung Cancer
Smoking is the top risk factor for lung cancer. Cigarette smoke is full of cancer-causing substances. When you smoke, these substances are inhaled directly to your lungs, damaging the tissue and cells almost immediately.
E-smoking and vaping can also lead to lung cancer. When e-smoking, you are still inhaling harmful substances into your lungs and causing tissue damage that can lead to cancer.
To learn more about how smoking can lead to the development of lung cancer, click HERE.
How Chapa-De Can Help
If you’d like help to quit smoking, or if you have questions or concerns about lung cancer, Chapa-De is here for you!
We can help explore and heighten your motivation, develop strategies to quit, and educate about available medications (such as nicotine patches and other medications) that may help you quit and stay away for good.
Please schedule an appointment with your Chapa-De Medical or Behavioral Health Provider, or talk with one of our Substance Use Case Managers.
To learn more about addiction services at Chapa-De, click HERE.
For more information about Chapa-De, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
