14 December 2023 , 08:56
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There are 8 crucial lung cancer symptoms to look out for - after a former The Big Bang Theory star was stunned to find she had been diagnosed with the disease despite never smoking.
Kate Micucci, 43, who played Lucy in the comedy show, recently took to social media to confirm she was in the process of recovering from surgery after being unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer. In a post to TikTok, she addressed her followers from hospital, saying: "Hey, everybody. This is not a TikTok. It's a sicktok. I'm in the hospital, but it's because I had lung cancer surgery yesterday."
The 43-year-old said that the doctors caught the disease pretty early. "It's pretty weird because I've never smoked a cigarette a day in my life," she said. "So, it was a surprise, but also, I guess it happens. The greatest news is, they caught it early, they got it, out. I'm all good," Kate concluded.
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There are key symptoms to look for in lung cancer (Getty Images/iStockphoto)One fan asked her: "What made you go in to get it checked out? was it a general check up? or were there symptoms?" She explained: "I had one thing in my bloodwork that came back really high. So I went to a preventative doc who did a few scans. He scanned my heart and that’s where the spot in my lung was noticed."
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According to the Mayo Press Clinic, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, both in smokers and people exposed to secondhand smoke.
The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you've smoked. If you quit smoking, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.
It is essential to try and catch lung cancer early (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
- A new cough that doesn't go away
- Coughing up blood, even a small amount
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Losing weight without trying
- Bone pain
- Headache
Two general types of lung cancer
- Small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer.
- Non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term for several types of lung cancers. Non-small cell lung cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and, large cell carcinoma.
Kate Micucci played Lucy in The Big Bang Theory (CBS via Getty Images)Risk factors of lung cancer
- Exposure to secondhand smoke. Even if you don't smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases if you're exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Previous radiation therapy. If you've undergone radiation therapy to the chest for another type of cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
- Exposure to radon gas. Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water that eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in any building, including homes.
- Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens. Workplace exposure to asbestos and other substances known to cause cancer — such as arsenic, chromium, and nickel — can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, especially if you're a smoker.
- Family history of lung cancer. People with a parent, sibling or child with lung cancer have an increased risk of the disease.