Hello Tutti!
I hope your week has been nothing short of amazing. As August 1st brought the world's attention to lung cancer, this entire month is dedicated to shining a light on this disease. Together, we've actively raised awareness on social media, released a lung cancer-focused newsletter, and even shared a YouTube video to spread basic information.
Lung cancer emerges when cells in the lungs undergo genetic changes, leading to uncontrollable growth. This newsletter aims to demystify lung cancer, providing insights into its nature, risk factors, symptoms, types, staging, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Global reports suggest that lung cancer has the “highest incidence and mortality rate” in the world, accounting for over 1.7 million deaths each year. It is often regarded as the most aggressive form of cancer that starts in the lungs and then gradually spreads to the other parts of the body.
Understanding Lung Cancer: Imagine our lungs as a delicate ecosystem where cells abide by a harmonious balance. Lung cancer disrupts this balance, as cells undergo mutations, forming tumors and impairing normal lung functions. Early detection plays a real & important role in steering treatment outcomes.
Risk Factors: Several factors contribute to the development of lung cancer:
Smoking: The primary culprit, accounting for 85% of cases. Both current and former smokers face elevated risks.
Secondhand Smoke: Non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are also at risk.
Environmental Exposures: Radon, asbestos, air pollution, uranium, diesel exhaust, silica, coal products and certain occupational hazards pose additional threats.
Having previous radiation treatments to your chest (for instance, for breast cancer or lymphoma).
Genetic Predisposition: A family history of lung cancer may increase susceptibility.
Vaping: Emerging evidence suggests potential risks associated with e-cigarette use.
Common Symptoms: Early signs of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest pain, shoulder pain, swelling in the face, neck, arms or upper chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood. Recognising these signals is important for early intervention.
How long can you have lung cancer without knowing?
Cancer can grow in your body for a long time (years) before you know it’s there. Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in early stages.
Types of Lung Cancer: Lung cancer manifests in two primary forms:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
Adenocarcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Large Cell Carcinoma are its subtypes.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):
Known for its rapid growth, often linked to smoking.
Staging and Metastasis: Categorising the extent of cancer spread helps determine the appropriate course of action. Stages range from I to IV, with higher numbers indicating more advanced disease. Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells migrate beyond the lungs.
Diagnosis and Tests: Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs provide a visual overview. Biopsy methods, such as needle biopsies, bronchoscopies, and surgical biopsies, collect tissue for detailed examination.
Treatment Options: Treatment avenues encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. The choice depends on factors like cancer type, stage, and overall health.
Prevention Strategies: Since it's not known what causes most cancers for sure, the only preventative measures are focused on reducing your risk. Some ways to reduce your risk include:
Smoking Cessation: The most impactful preventive measure.
Avoiding Secondhand Smoke and Environmental Exposures: Ensuring a smoke-free environment is crucial.
Regular Exercise and Healthy Diet: Maintaining overall health supports prevention.
Get screened for lung cancer if you’re at high risk.
Prognosis: Survival rates hinge on factors like stage at diagnosis, lung cancer type, and overall patient health.
The relative five-year survival rate for lung cancer diagnosed at any stage is 22.9%. The five-year relative survival rates by how much cancer has spread is:
61.2% (64% for NSCLC, 29% for SCLC) for cancer that’s confined to one lung (localized).
33.5% (37% for NSCLC, 18% for SCLC) for cancer that’s spread to the lymph nodes (regional).
7% (26% for NSCLC, 3% for SCLC) for cancer that’s spread to other organs (distant).
Awareness, timely intervention, and lifestyle choices play integral roles in shaping outcomes.
Does lung cancer spread quickly?
It depends on the type. Of the main types, small cell lung cancer tends to spread faster than non-small cell lung cancer. By the time lung cancer is found, it may have already started spreading to lymph nodes or other organs.
If you or a loved one experience any suspicious symptoms, please consult with your healthcare provider. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Join Us for Lung Cancer Awareness: Please join us this month to raise awareness on social media. Your participation can work miracles, fostering awareness, support, and hope in the fight against cancer.
Don't Forget: Last week, we dedicated our newsletter to Drake, a brave warrior fighting testicular cancer.
The latest weekly newsletter is here, and it's truly special.
Meet a brave warrior & help bring a smile to his face while supporting his dream to explore the world. All proceeds will be donated to @shiba_jim , his father.
Let's make it happen!
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Thanks to our Fruity Fam for supporting Drake's dream to travel. One newsletter was collected by Daniel for 10 $Matic, another 15 $Matic were donated by Nate, 5 $Matic donated by July, and $100 in ETH donated by Krissy on behalf of #sharity, a charity token project on web3. Your support means the world! 🌍💙
Tutti Fairy Magic for Our Fruity Family!
Exciting news: we've just airdropped the enchanting Tutti Fairy NFT to our Tutti Frutti Women holders!
Happy Friday to all the Tutti with Fairy Power! 
For the 16 still waiting, @opensea is playing hard to get, but we'll send your Tutti Fairy as soon as the tech gremlins take a break.
May your Fairy bring joy and magic to your day!
What's the Tutti Fairy? It's not just an NFT; It's a way to recognise that each of us possesses a unique brand of magic. It's the kind of magic that can transform challenges into triumphs, tears into laughter, and fear into courage.
It's the same magic found in our Tutti Frutti Women, who, in their battle against cancer, unveil an extraordinary power within.
Our fairies are more than mere dream keepers; they safeguard strength, power, and love. With each gentle flutter, they remind us that within every soul lies a warrior with Tutti Fairy Power.
To Our Amazing Holders: Thank you for your unwavering love & support. This fairy is our token of appreciation for making our community truly magical.
How to Get Yours: If you own a Tutti Frutti Women NFT, your Tutti Fairy is on its way! Hold tight for a sprinkle of magic in your collection.
in my wallet this morning @tfw_nft It's
! I appreciate this after a rough week! Support this amazing project that does great things for ppl who survived cancer and the families of the one who didn't make it.
@andre_tfw is just awesome
Thank you 
So happy to be apart of their community and to support them.
I would suggest to anyone who is looking to support a great cause that is using web3 as a medium, this is a wonderful project to support.
They are…
Join the Magic: If you haven't minted a Tutti Frutti Women NFT, there's still time to join the magical journey.
Until next time, stay fruity, healthy, fantastic!
If you found this newsletter informative and valuable, please consider sharing it with your friends and family. You can also collect it for just 5 $MATIC, a contribution that goes directly to our donation wallet (0x83F371C97B80BD9BbA4330164F0Bf47E857577DC), supporting cancer warriors on their journey.
