Lung Cancer
Understanding Lung Cancer
A a 2015 study reports that respiratory tract cancers cause approximately 4 million deaths each year. In developing countries, researchers project an 81 to 100 percent increase in respiratory tract cancers due to pollution and smoking.
Many Asian countries, particularly India, still use coal for cooking. Emissions from solid fuels account for 17 percent of lung cancer deaths among men and 22 percent among women. Cancers of the respiratory tract include cancers of the trachea, larynx, bronchi, and lungs.
The main causes are smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental toxins. However, household pollutants, such as those from fuel and mold, also contribute.
Causes
Smoking causes most cases of lung cancer, both in smokers and in people exposed to secondhand smoke. However, lung cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked and in people who have never been exposed to secondhand smoke over the long term. In such cases, the cause of lung cancer may not be clearly known.
Signs and Symptoms
Lung cancer usually does not cause any signs or symptoms in its earliest stages.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer usually do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
01
A new cough that just won't go away
02
Shortness of breath
03
Coughing up blood, even if only a little
04
Unintentional weight loss
05
Chest pain
06
Hoarse voice
07
Bone pain
08
Headache
How does smoking cause lung cancer?
Doctors believe that smoking causes lung cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. When you inhale cigarette smoke, which is full of cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), changes in the lung tissue begin almost immediately.
At first, the body may be able to repair this damage. However, each repeated exposure further damages the normal cells lining the lungs. Over time, the damage causes the cells to behave abnormally, and eventually cancer may develop.
Types of Lung Cancer
Doctors classify lung cancer into two main types based on the appearance of lung cancer cells under a microscope.
Your doctor will decide on a treatment plan based on the primary type of lung cancer you have.
The two common types of lung cancer include:
Small-cell lung cancer.
Small-cell lung cancer occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small-cell lung cancer.
Non-small-cell lung cancer.
Non-small-cell lung cancer is a general term for several types of lung cancer that behave similarly.
Risk factors
A number of factors can increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Risk factors for lung cancer include:
01
Smoking.
The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked. Quitting at any age can significantly reduce your risk of developing lung cancer.
02
Exposure to secondhand smoke.
Even if you don't smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases if you are exposed to secondhand smoke.
03
Exposure to radon gas.
Radon is produced by the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in any building, including homes.
04
Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
Exposure to asbestos and other substances known to cause cancer in the workplace—such as arsenic, chromium, and nickel—can also increase the risk of lung cancer, especially if you smoke.
05
Family history of lung cancer.
People whose parents, siblings, or children have lung cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
06
Lung disease.
Certain lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, increasing a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Cancer tends to develop in parts of the lung that have scar tissue caused by tuberculosis.
07
Pollution.
Research shows a link between lung cancer and exposure to certain air pollutants, such as byproducts of the combustion of diesel and other fossil fuels.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce your risk by doing the following:
01
Do Not Smoke.
If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. Talk to your children about not smoking so they understand how to avoid this major risk factor for lung cancer. Start talking to them about the dangers of smoking early on so they know how to deal with peer pressure.
02
Quit Smoking.
Quit smoking now. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve been smoking for years. Talk to your doctor about strategies and resources to help you quit. Options include nicotine replacement products, medications, and support groups.
03
Avoid secondhand smoke.
If you live or work with a smoker, encourage them to quit. At the very least, ask them to smoke outside. Avoid places where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and look for smoke-free alternatives.
04
Check for radon in your home.
Have your home tested for radon levels, especially if you live in an area known to have radon problems. High radon levels can be addressed to make your home safer.
05
Avoid carcinogens in the workplace.
Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace. Follow the safety measures established by your employer. For example, if you are provided with a mask for protection, always wear it. Ask your doctor what else you can do to protect yourself at work. The risk of lung damage from workplace carcinogens increases if you smoke.
06
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Select healthy eating habits with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Getting vitamins and nutrients from food is the best option. Avoid taking high-dose vitamin supplements in pill form, as they can be harmful. For example, researchers hoping to reduce the risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers gave them beta-carotene supplements. The results showed that these supplements actually increased the risk of cancer in smokers.
07
Exercise most days of the week.
If you haven't been exercising regularly, start slowly. Try to exercise most days of the week.