CR3 News Magazine 2018 VOL 5: NOVEMBER National Lung Cancer Month | Page 33

Coping

Studies suggest that learning as much as you can about your cancer improves your outcome. Ask questions. Talk to your doctor about clinical trials that may be appropriate for you. Consider joining a support group. Ask for and allow your loved ones to help. A diagnosis of lung cancer at this early stage is a great opportunity to make changes that might give you a healthier future. Look at your lifestyle and see if you can do anything to lower your risk of developing lung cancer again:

- If you smoke, quit

- Test your home for radon

- Evaluate any environment exposures that might increase your risk

- Evaluate your workplace for any occupational exposures you

should address

-Choose a healthy diet that may lower lung cancer risk

- Exercise

Follow-Up and Prevention

If you've been treated for stage 0 lung cancer your doctor will want to follow you periodically for the rest of your life. In theory, stage 0 lung cancer should be curable since it is not invasive, but caution is still in order. Importantly, having had lung cancer in the first place is a very significant risk factor for developing a second primary lung cancer. A second primary lung cancer refers to a separate lung cancer unrelated to your first cancer. Talk to your doctor about the best method and timing for follow-up to make sure that a new primary lung cancer would be caught as early as possible.

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STAGE 0 NON-SMALL CELL

LUNG cancer

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