Lung cancer is a disease characterised by uncontrolled growth of abnormal lung cells. It can present either as Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or as Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) depending on pathological features of cells appear under microscope.
5 Reasons You Should Aware About Lung Cancer
Day-by-day cases of lung cancer are increasing worldwide. Lung cancer has one of the highest cancer related death rates and hence it’s a biggest health challenge in front of health authorities. Lack of cancer awareness about risk factors, prevention and treatment is one of major factor which raise the rate of cancer incidence.
Lung cancer is a disease characterised by uncontrolled growth of abnormal lung cells. It can present either as Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or as Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) depending on pathological features of cells appear under microscope. NSCLC is most common but grows and spreads slowly to other body organs, while SCLC is aggressive, grows and spreads quickly and has poor prognosis.
On the eve of November as a lung cancer awareness month, here are listings of five reasons that will tell you why you must be aware about lung cancer.
Lung cancer is number one killer
Lung cancer is most lethal and one of the biggest killers in the world claiming lives more than leukaemia, breast, colon and prostate cancer combined, and hence rate as number one killer cancer. It’s a leading cause of cancer related deaths in both men and women comprising 28% of all cancer deaths.
Smoking as a main causative agent
Smoking is the leading risk factor claiming 80-90% cases of lung cancer, while second-hand smokes also contribute as a main reason. Smokers who quit smoking still comprise 50% cases of lung cancer but still quitting smoking reduces risk of cancer development to some extents.
Apart from it, exposure to radon gas, asbestos, ionizing radiations, chronic lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, family history and long-term exposure to particulate matter in air pollution are other risk factors for lung cancer.
Becoming more common in women
In last several years, rate of lung cancer is on rise among women as compared to men. Reason may be due to enhanced smoking in women. Some studies suggested that hormone oestrogen may facilitate growth of lung cancer. Hence incidences of death in men are significantly found to be declining as compared to women.
Delay in diagnosis
Symptoms of lung cancer are difficult to diagnose in its early stage and physician can detect it only when growth spread enough in the body. Only 16% cases can be diagnosed before cancer spreads within body.
Poor survival rate
Delay in diagnosis leads to five-year survival rate upto 15% only that means 80% cases will die within five years of diagnosis and it is greatly reduced to 4% only when detected in later stages.
A new drug ‘Iressa’ approved by Food and Drug Administration, give hope to physician for treating lung cancer, but its safety and effectiveness remains as a question mark.
Remaining aware about disadvantages of smoking or harmful exposure and advantages of staying fit surely stay you away from lung cancer making your life healthy and happy.
References:
1. Bailey’s & Love’s, Short Practice of Surgery, 25th edition, chapter 52, The Thorax, Malignant tumours, Primary lung cancer
2. http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/lung-cancer
3. http://www.lcfamerica.org/about_lcfa.html
About Dr Minakshi
Dr Minakshi is medical doctor (M.B.B.S) and certified medical writer, working as a family physician as well as freelance medical writer for health magazines and websites.