American Lung Association Advises People Facing Lung Cancer Follow Five Important Steps

CHICAGO - Nov. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may be unsure what to do next.  The American Lung Association offers five steps you can take today to gain strength in your fight against lung cancer.

    1.         Learn the Basics about Lung Cancer
It’s been said time and again, but it’s true: knowledge is power. Learning about lung cancer can help you feel more in control of your diagnosis and enable you to become a more active member of your lung cancer care team. The American Lung Association offers a great website to help you learn about lung cancer (http://www.mylungcancersupport.org/learn-about-lung-cancer/).

    2.         Ask Your Care Team Questions
Your doctors and nurses are there to take care of you, from a lung cancer diagnosis through treatment and beyond. They understand that part of offering good care is taking the time to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (http://www.mylungcancersupport.org/assets/documents/flc-q...) about your lung cancer diagnosis, your treatment options, your symptoms or anything else. It’s a good idea to keep track of your questions and concerns in a notebook as they occur to you, and then bring your notebook with you to your appointments to ensure that you always get the answers you need.

    3.         Investigate Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Lung cancer treatment options (http://www.mylungcancersupport.org/treating-lung-cancer/) can vary by individual circumstances. Some people choose not to receive active treatment and instead receive comfort care. The right choice for you will depend on the type and stage of your lung cancer, your overall health and your treatment goals. Each type of lung cancer treatment has potential risks and side effects. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find the treatment option that is right for you.

    4.         Find Your Lung Cancer Support System
You do not have to face lung cancer alone. A strong support system (http://www.mylungcancersupport.org/support-from-day-one/) -- including your friends, family and colleagues -- can give you extra strength and courage as you undergo lung cancer treatment.

Many people living with lung cancer also find it helpful to share their experiences and feelings with others in similar situations. You may discover that meeting other people with lung cancer helps you feel less isolated, because they understand what you’re experiencing. If you wish to connect with people who know what it is like to face lung cancer, the American Lung Association can introduce you to a number of active and helpful support groups (http://www.mylungcancersupport.org/support-from-day-one/support-groups.html).

    5.         Take Care of Yourself
Day-to-day life during lung cancer treatment can be challenging. During this time, it’s especially important to take good care of yourself (http://www.mylungcancersupport.org/support-from-day-one/staying-healthy.html) to help decrease your side effects and maintain your physical and emotional health. Try to eat right, get moderate exercise, and manage your stress level. While your needs may change over the course of your lung cancer treatment, these three elements will remain key to your overall health.  Even seemingly small things, such as taking time to do something you love -- reading a book, watching a movie -- can have a positive impact on your health.

Support from Day One
The American Lung Association is here to support you as you fight lung cancer. For more lung cancer information, resources and support, visit the American Lung Association’s www.Mylungcancersupport. (http://www.mylungcancersupport.com)org today.

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About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.

American LungAssociation • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601

1-800-LUNGUSA(1-800-586-4872)www.Lung.org