Lung cancer also called bronchogenic or bronchogenic cancer is the third most common cancer globally. Lung cancer can be fatal, but with early diagnosis and treatments, death can be averted. 

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs.  It begins when the cells in the lungs mutate, grow uncontrollably, and cluster together to form a tumor. 

About the Lungs

The primary function of the lungs is to exchange gases between the air we breathe and the blood. Through the lung, carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and oxygen enters the bloodstream. 

Every human being has two lungs(right and the left lungs), and five lobes. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes and a small structure called the lingula, which is equivalent to the middle lobe on the right. 

The lungs contain different types of cells; most cells are epithelial cells. Epithelial cells line the airways that make mucus, which lubricate and protects the lung. The lungs also contain nerve cells, hormone-producing cells, and supporting cells. 

Types of Lung Cancer 

Lung cancer can arise in any part of the lungs, but 90%-95% of cancers of the lungs arise from the epithelial cells, the cells lining the larger and smaller airways (bronchi and bronchioles). 

A lung tumor can begin anywhere in the lung and can be cancerous or benign. Once a cancerous lung tumor grows, it may shed cancer cells. 

The main type of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. 

Non-Small Cell Cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell cancer begins when the healthy cells in the lung change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor, nodule, or lesion. 

Non-small cell cancer begins in the epithelial cells and accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. There are three main types of non-small cell cancers: Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell cancer, and Large cell carcinoma.

The treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer is based on the stage of the cancer, other factors such as overall health and lung function, as well as traits of  the cancer. 

Small Cell Lung Cancer 

Small cell lung cancer also called oat cell cancer is a type of cancer in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the lung. This cancer usually starts in the breathing tubes and grows very quickly, creating large tumors and metastasising throughout the body. 

This type of lung cancer is commonly caused by smoking, with signs and symptoms varying from individuals. 

There are two stages of small cell lung cancer: Limited and Extensive stage. 

Limited stage is when the cancer is confined to one side of the chest and can be treated within one radiation field or port. Limited stage of small cell lung cancer has a potentially curable chance than extensive stage. 

Extensive stage is when the cancer has spread beyond just one side of the chest.

Attitudes About Lung Cancer

Because lung cancer has been connected to smoking, some individuals believe it is the individual’s fault. This simply isn’t the case. This mindset may encourage people to feel embarrassed and avoid screening.

In reality, even people that have never smoked may be at risk of lung cancer. There are other risk factors. Anyone who has concerns about developing lung cancer should speak with their doctor.

Educating yourself about cancer and screening can help you feel more comfortable moving forward. It is important to understand a diagnosis is not anyone’s fault. It is better to put your own health first and not allow any fears to take over.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer:

Knowing the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can help with early diagnosis. It is still possible for signs to develop in the earliest stages. While these symptoms can occur for other reasons besides cancer, getting screened is the best way to understand your health. These signs include:

• Coughing that doesn’t go away
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Voice changes (weak, scratchy or hoarse voice)
• Feeling tired all the time
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent pneumonia or bronchitis

If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. If cancer is found, you can start treatment sooner. Getting screened can also help find cancer before any symptoms start. Finding the cancer earlier can lead to better outcomes.

Risk Factors

Cigarette

Cigarette is the number one risk of factor of  lung cancer. Cigarette smoking can cause cancer in any part of the body such as cancer of the mouth and throat, oesophagus, urinary bladder, cervix, and acute myeloid leukaemia.

Using other tobacco products such as cigars or pipes also increases one risk of lung cancer. 

Second-hand Smoke

Smoke from people’s cigarettes, pipes, car exhaustion also put one at risk of lung cancer. Inhaling second-hand smoke is somewhat equivalent to smoking. 

Radon

Radon causes about 20,000 cases of lung cancer every year. Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that exists naturally in soil and rocks, naturally occurring gas that gets trapped in houses and buildings. Exposure to radon combined with cigarette smoking increases one risk of lung cancer. 

Radiation 

Cancer warriors who had radiotherapy to the chest are at a higher risk of having lungs cancer. 

Environmental Substances  

Environmental waste such as asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust, smoke from burning, some forms of silica and chromium, increasing one’s risk of lung cancer. 

Family History of Lung Cancer 

Genetics plays an important role in one’s health. Family history of lung cancer and other related types of cancer puts one at a higher risk of having lung cancer. 

Diet 

Certain food puts one at risk of lung cancer. Some research indicates that high intake of red meat and alcohol, drinking water that contains arsenic may increase one’s risk.  Also, smokers who take beta carotene supplements are at an increased risk of lung cancer. 

How to Lower Your Risk

• Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer. Quitting is hard, but there are ways to help you. Talk to your doctor about programs to stop smoking, also called smoking cessation programs.
• Avoid spending time around others who are smoking (also called secondhand smoke).
• Protect yourself at home and work. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you get your home tested for radon. If you work with or around hazardous chemicals, ask about what you can do to avoid greater risk.

Treatment  of Lung Cancer 

Treatment of lung cancer involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. 

However, it is important to note that the survival rates depend on several factors including the subtype of lung cancer and the stage of the disease.