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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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02009.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02009}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Encouraging a Smoker to See a Physician}
$Subject{cigarettes cigarette check up physical examination lungs lung cancer
smokers smoke smoking habits heart respiratory system chest blood pressure
x-ray sputum cytology carcinogens breath breathing chemicals stress}
$Volume{}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf
Indirect Problems Caused by Smoking*0007302.scf}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Encouraging a Smoker to See a Physician
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QUESTION: How do I get my husband to a doctor for a check up? He is still a
smoker, probably because he is in a pressure cooker of an office, and he just
doesn't take care of himself. He has no complaints, and seems okay, but I am
the worry wart, and fear that something undetected is growing in his lungs. I
would feel better if he was seen. I think he fears the examination and the
possible diagnosis. Can you please write something that might help convince
him my advice is more than just a wife's nagging?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: His present state of "good" health is a fine thing but no guarantee
that all is as it should be. The frightening fact is that by the time
symptoms begin in cases where lung cancer is the problem, the disease is
usually incurable. If your husband is past 40, he is in the age group where
the risk factor for lung cancer is a serious consideration.
Lung cancer ranks Number 1 as the cause of death from cancer, striking
more than 155,000 new victims each year. 80 percent of all cases of this
cancer occur in smokers, who risk for cancer is more than 10 times that of
non-smokers. Though fear keeps many people out of a doctor's office, the
inner instincts for self preservation should be a driving force that motivates
the visit. There is nothing fearful about the examination. And there is
nothing mysterious about the tests that may be used. After a careful history,
that will explore your husband's smoking habits, and establish other risk
factors, the physician will search for any exposure to other possible cancer
causing chemicals. The physical examination may concentrate on the
respiratory system, the chest, how your husband breathes, and how his lungs
sound through the stethoscope. Of course all systems should be thoroughly
examined as well, including the heart and blood pressure. In this manner a
general impression of your husband's general physical condition can be
established.
The two main tests used to screen for lung cancer are the chest x-ray,
and a sputum cytology. Together they are much more effective in discovering
the presence of lung cancer than when used individually. The sputum cytology
searches for the presence of abnormal cells that may reveal the presence of a
growth. The simple fact is that if something is present, the sooner it is
discovered, the more effective the treatment can be. And think of the relief
you will both experience if the examinations prove negative. It's not
nagging, just loving concern.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.