Luis Represas. Symptoms and risk factors of cancer that victimized singer

ANDwednesday, july 22, the country agreed to news of the death of Luís Represas at 69. The artist was preparing to celebrate 50 years of career. At the beginning of the morning there was talk of prolonged illness. Early in the afternoon it was revealed that the singer suffered from advanced lung cancer.

“Lung cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer,” the Portuguese League Against Cancer website begins by saying. “The tumors that start in the lung are divided into two main groups: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on the aspect of the cells involved, when observed under the microscope”, they continue.

“These two types of lung cancer, they grow and metastasize in different ways, i.e. they behave differently and are therefore also treated differentlythey also reveal it on the website. ”.

Lung cancer: Risk factors and symptoms

Among the risk factors most associated with lung cancer is: tobacco. You're not the only one, though. According to SNS24, the family history and genetic predisposition, a exposure to harmful environments, such as pollution, asbestos and radioactive substances, and respiratory disorders, such as tuberculosis, silicosis and pulmonary fibrosis are also other factors that should be taken into account.

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First, lung cancer turns out to be a silent disease, where symptoms are easily confused with other conditions. A large majority of cases can only be detected in an advanced state. 

Among some of the most common symptoms, also according to SNS24, are shortness of breath, hoarseness, worsening of expectoration, coughing accompanied by blood, loss of appetite or weight, and even severe fatigue.

Prevention and treatment of lung cancer

Total prevention of lung cancer is something that cannot be done. Still, there is a way to reduce the risk by adopting certain healthier lifestyles.

“ Not smoking or quitting smoking is the most effective measure to reduce the risk of lung cancer. It is important to avoid passive smoking, reduce exposure to air pollution and toxic substances in the workplace, such as asbestos, and healthy lifestyles should be adopted”, says SNS24.

Screening is also another important measure to identify the disease at earlier stages. “The screening, usually performed through TACs, may allow the disease to be detected at the initial stage even before symptoms appear. The diagnosis at an early stage increases the chances of cure.”

Regarding the treatment of lung cancer can depend on several factors and is always something individualized. However surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are some of the treatments used.

“ The choice of treatment is always made by the medical team, in dialogue with the patient, seeking the best balance between efficacy, safety and quality of life.”