The word cancer can hit a person like a ton of bricks, and every year more and more people are diagnosed with various types of cancer including one of the most serious, lung cancer. Although coping with treatment and daily life that goes along with lung cancer isn’t easy. There are a few things you can do to make life a bit more manageable for caregivers and loved ones as well.
The American Lung Association notes that a senior with lung cancer can expect a survival rate of 53% when detected early before it has spread to other areas in the body.
While survival rates are up, lung cancer still leads to more deaths in both men and women than any other type of cancer out there. In fact if you combined the top three common cancer types, sadly the lung cancer mortality rate is still higher. Early detection, communication, and cooperation with doctors are all steps in the right direction for proper care and treatment.
Here are a few tips and suggestions for you and your loved one to hopefully make coping with lung cancer a little more manageable.

• Watch your loved one for visible symptoms. Thickening or clubbing of the fingertips, loss of mobility in the hands, fatigue, shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest or back pain, and muscle weakness are all visible symptoms to watch for.
• Know the risk factors. Those who have been exposed to radon gas or asbestos, have a family history, have or are a smoker, or have been exposed to second hand smoke have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
• Be informed, but not overwhelmed. Make sure to educate yourself, but know that statistics are just numbers and cannot give you an answer specifically to your loved one’s future.
• Cancer can happen to anyone. Even those who did not smoke can be susceptible to lung cancer.
• Be positive. If your loved one has a history of smoking they may feel guilt and like they “deserve” this disease. Stay positive and be mindful of following their doctor’s orders for the best possible treatment.

Here at Freedom Home Care, we know giving the best care possible to your loved one is of utmost importance. That’s why our caregivers are equipped with various skills and service offerings to help you and your loved one through this time. Please call us today and learn how our experienced caregivers can help you and your family.