Lung Cancer

 

The lungs are vital organs responsible for breathing and are part of the respiratory system. The lungs are cone shaped breathing organs, that bring oxygen into the body as you breathe in, then release carbon dioxide as you breathe out. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. If untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Lung cancer may not cause symptoms at first, but common signs and symptoms include:

  • A persistent cough that doesn’t go away
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarseness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
  • New onset of wheezing

 

Causes and Risk Factors

The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking, including second hand smoke, which damages the cells lining the lungs. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked. Other risk factors include:

  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Environmental exposure including; radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution
  • Family history of lung cancer may raise risk

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

  • Avoid smoking or quite if you are a smoker. Avoid secondhand smoke
  • Testing your home for radon
  • Use protective gear if exposed to hazardous substances
  • Avoiding exposure to carcinogens at work
  • Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Regular exercise
  • Get regular checkups, especially if you are at higher risk

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer and may include:

  • Surgery: Removing part or all of the lung or the cancerous part of the lung
  • Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs used to destroy or stop cancer cells from growing
  • Targeted therapy: Drugs that attack specific mutations in cancer cells
  • Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the immune system