source: Indiatimes
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. As smoking becomes more popular, lung cancer is reaching epidemic proportions in India. In addition to smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, indoor air pollution and dietary factors have recently been implicated in the causation of lung cancer. Let's look at some basic facts about the disease.
1. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer.
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Almost 87 per cent of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. The risk depends on how long a person has been smoking, the age at which they started and the number of tobacco products smoked per day.
2. Lung cancer targets more than just smokers.
The greatest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, but passive smokers can also develop it. 10-15 per cent of lung cancer cases occur in non-smokers, and many of these patients are women.
3. There are two types of lung cancer.
Almost 85-90 per cent of lung cancers are the Non-Small Cell type. This cancer grows slowly and does not spread quickly to the other organs. The other type, Small Cell Carcinoma, tends to grow faster and spreads to the other organs.
4. There are subtle warning signs.
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Both men and women should know the warning signs of lung cancer. They can be subtle but symptoms to be aware of include coughing regularly, shortness of breath, increased appetite or weight loss, wheezing and coughing blood. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
5. CT screenings can save lives.
Detecting lung cancer can be difficult, but now there are improvised screening tests. Results from the National Lung Screening Trial suggest that screening high-risk individuals with low-dose CT scans can detect tumours at an earlier stage, resulting in improved lung cancer survival. Screening is currently recommended for people who are between the ages of 55 and 74 and who have smoked a pack a day for 30 years and quit less than 15 years ago.
6. New therapies show promise.
With updated technology and advanced medication, treatments are available for lung cancer too, depending on cancer type, tumour location, and overall health. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these.
7. It's never too late to quit smoking.
Smoking is injurious to health, even the packets say so! For those of you who do decide to quit, your risk of a heart attack and lung cancer will reduce in just a few weeks or months.
*Card image via Shutterstock
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