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The goal of this blog is to provide useful information on every aspect of workplace health - from wellness and injury prevention through to rehabilitation and recovery at work.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Be aware of the symptoms and how to reduce your risk.
In Australia, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and 20% of all cancer deaths are attributed to lung cancer. It’s important to know the symptoms – lung cancer can affect anyone and the earlier it is discovered, the more treatable it is.
Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia
The most prevalent cause of lung cancer is smoking, however it is not the only cause. 30% of women and 10% of men diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. The other known causes are:
Thousands of of lung cancer cases diagnosed each year are caused by occupational exposure. The most prevalent causes are silica dust, diesel exhaust fumes and welding fumes.
"Workers at risk … may include farmers, construction workers, heavy transport operators, miners, carpenters, metal workers, mechanics, transport workers and painters."- Melissa Treby - Cancer Council
The best way to avoid occupational exposure is by following your workplace safety regulations and wearing protective gear. If you have any concerns, make an appointment to see your GP because treatment has a higher rate of success with early detection.
Lung Function Tests (or Pulmonary Function Tests) are conducted to determine how well you're airways and lungs are functioning. Through measuring airflow, lung volume and capacity, lung function testing can identify if there is a risk of lung cancer as well as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other illnesses that affect the lungs.
Actevate performs two lung
function tests: Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Spirometry.
We
conduct PEF testing as a part of our standard pre-employment assessments. It
is used to evaluate the force that your lungs can expel air.
Spirometry determines the maximum amount of air your lungs can breathe in and out in one breathe and the speed at which you can expel air. It is an accurate measurement of your lung and airway health.
Not to mention that we are available to perform these health screenings periodically. This is ideal in industries that have higher risks to monitor and record lung function - ensuring that the safety precautions in the workplace are protecting your team.
Contact us to find out more about lung function testing and employee health.
Source: Cancer Council WA | Lung Foundation Australia | Cancer Council | Cancer Australia | mrDr | LungCancer.net |
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