Sherman Hemsley & Lung Cancer: How Blacks Can Lower Their Risks

Sherman Hemsley, the 74-year-old actor best known for his role as George Jefferson, died in 2012 because of a complication of lung cancer, according to the El Paso County Texas Medical Examiner. Reports also say that Hemsley was advised to undergo chemotherapy treatments before he passed away.

Huffington Post reported that Hemsley’s death was specifically caused by a lung cancer complication called superior vena cava syndrome, which occurs when the superior vena cava, one of the body’s major veins, is obstructed, most commonly because of a lung cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

READ: Sherman Hemsley Dies

What Blacks Need To Know About Lung Cancer

African American men are 1.3 times more likely to have new cases of lung cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white men. Is there any way to lower these risks?

First, it’s important to know what can increase lung cancer risks, such as the following:

• Asbestos
• Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as uranium, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust
• Family history of lung cancer
• High levels of air pollution
• High levels of arsenic in drinking water
• Radiation therapy to the lungs
• Radon gas

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

When lung cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that you should watch out for, such as:

• a cough that doesn’t go away and gets worse over time
• constant chest pain
• coughing up blood
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
• repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
• swelling of the neck and face
• loss of appetite or weight loss
• fatigue

If you experience any of the above symptoms, be sure to have a conversation with your doctor about your concerns immediately.

Lung Cancer Prevention Tips

Unfortunately, there is no definite way to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce your risk if you:

• Don’t smoke
• Stop smoking
• Avoid secondhand smoke
• Test your home for radon
• Avoid Carcinogens at work
• Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables
• Exercise
• Drink alcohol in moderation.