World Lung Cancer Day : Why it matters

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer begins with lung cells growing out of control. This can develop into tumors and metastasize to other areas of the body.

Two broad categories:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Slow-growing and most frequent
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): More aggressive but rarer
• Early lung cancer will not have any apparent symptoms and hence is easy to overlook.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

It’s not only about smoking. There are other concealed risks:

1. Smoking and secondhand smoke.

• The primary etiology of lung cancer
• Risk is larger with years and pack-years
• Even non-smokers around smokers are at risk

2. Air Pollution

• Dirty air from vehicles, industries, and cities can slowly harm lungs

3. Workplace Hazards

• Asbestos, diesel fumes, silica dust, and chemicals like arsenic
• Common in construction, mining, and factory work

4. Radon Gas

• Natural radioactive gas from soil, can build up in buildings
• Major non-smoking cause of lung cancer

5. Family History & Genetics

• Risk is higher if close family members had lung cancer
• Some people inherit genes that make them more vulnerable

Early Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Hi, even if they appear insignificant, don’t ignore such symptoms:

• A cough that won’t go away
• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
• Hoarseness or weak voice
• Feeling very tired
• Frequent lung infections

How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

Physicians use several tests:

• Chest X-ray: Initial step, but not always sufficient
• CT Scan: Provides a clear view of the lungs
• PET-CT Scan: It identifies cancer activity in your body.
• Bronchoscopy: A tiny camera peers into the lungs
• Biopsy: Indicates whether cells are cancerous
• Sputum Test: Checks out mucus for cancer cells.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and your overall health.

1. Surgery:

Best when caught early, Remove part or all of the lung

2. Chemotherapy:

Uses medicine to kill cancer cells

3. Radiotherapy:

Uses targeted radiation to destroy cancer

4. Targeted Therapy:

Attacks specific cancer genes

5. Immunotherapy:

Boosts the body’s own defenses

6. Palliative Care:

Focuses on comfort when cancer is too advanced

New Hope in Lung Cancer Care

• Genetic Testing: Helps find the right treatment
• New Immunotherapies: Boost immune response better
• High-Precision Radiation (SBRT): Targets cancer with less damage to healthy cells
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Smaller cuts, faster recovery

Observed on: 1st August every year

Objective: Promote awareness, encourage early detection, and combat the stigma of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is among the most lethal cancers globally. But hardly anyone knows about it. Most cases are diagnosed too late, when treatment is more difficult. And that is where World Lung Cancer Day comes in: it aims to create awareness, encourage early screening, and dispel myths.

Final Thought

Lung cancer doesn’t need to take us by surprise. The more we discuss it, screen for it, and treat it early, the more lives we can save. Let’s stand together this World Lung Cancer Day and make awareness so much louder than fear.