Lung Cancer: A Significant Contributor to Worldwide Cancer-related Mortality Rates

Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

1. Tobacco Smoke Smoking is one of the most prominent causes of lung cancer. An individual’s cancer risk is influenced by the number of years and the number of packs smoked per day. Notably, the American Cancer Society reports that ‘smoking low-tar or “light” cigarettes increases lung cancer risk as much as regular cigarettes.’
2. Second-hand Smoke ‘Second-hand Smoke’ refers to the smoke non-smoking individuals inhale when in proximity to smoking individuals. The harmful toxins in second-hand smoke increase the non-smoking individual's cancer risk.
3. Workplace Exposure to Cancer-causing Substances Prolonged exposure to certain workplace agents increases an individual’s cancer risk. Some carcinogenic agents include: radioactive materials (e.g. uranium and radon), mining by-products (e.g. asbestos, arsenic, silica dust, hexavalent chromium) and diesel exhaust. It is important to adhere to workplace safety protocols and limit unnecessary exposure to the carcinogens.
4. Family History: A family history of lung cancer increases the risk of developing the condition, when compared to individuals with no family history of lung cancer.

Warning Symptoms

Individuals are advised to consult a healthcare professional if experiencing any of these symptoms. While not specific to cancer, these symptoms may indicate a medical condition requiring further evaluation.

1. Persistent Cough Any cough lasting several weeks or getting worse over time should be investigated by a healthcare professional – especially if the individual is coughing up blood or odd-coloured sputum.
2. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnoea) Any individual experiencing difficulty breathing should consult a healthcare professional.
3. Chest Pain Any individual experiencing chest pain should always consult a healthcare professional. This symptom is not specific to cancer and can indicate a medical condition that needs to be further evaluated.

Treatment

1. Surgery Surgery aims to surgically remove the tumour where possible. The type of surgical procedure utilised depends on the tumour’s size and location.
2. Radiation Therapy Radiation Therapy utilises powerful radiation beams to limit the growth of tumour-causing cells or completely kill cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy utilises potent drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

Prevention

1. Stop Smoking Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of lung cancer. An individual’s cancer risk is influenced by the number of years and the number of packs smoked per day.
2. Reduce Second-hand Smoke Exposure To limit second-hand smoke exposure, avoid being in proximity to individuals who are actively smoking.
3. Limit Exposure to Cancer-causing Substances Limiting unnecessary exposure to cancer-causing substances is vital. It is also essential to adhere to workplace safety protocols.

Lung Cancer poses a significant global health challenge; hence, awareness of its causes, early detection, and timely therapeutic interventions is vital. Early diagnosis is crucial to improving patient outcomes and offering hope to those affected by the disease.