Lung Cancer

Overview

Lung cancer contributes to more deaths per year than prostate, breast, and colon cancers combined. Of all of diagnosed cases, 85 to 95 percent are related to smoking. The easiest solution, then, would be never to quit smoking, or better yet, never start. Chances of lung cancer are decreased 30 to 50 percent after 10 years of being smoke-free.

Causes

There are several causes of lung cancer. Different chemical agents can cause cells in the lungs to begin to divide irregularly, producing cancerous cells. The main cause of lung cancer is smoking, whether it is cigarettes, cigars, pipes or marijuana. Other contributing factors include

1. Certain chemicals in the workplace

2. Diet low in fruits and vegetables

3. Air pollution

People who have a history of lung cancer in their families are also at a greater risk than those with a clean record.

Risk-Increasing Factors

1. Smoking (please refer to our Quit Smoking section), or smoke from, cigarettes and cigars (as well as other sources)

a. Firsthand has the greatest risk.

b. Secondhand also increases risk

2. Exposure to radon gas

3. Exposure to asbestos

4. Exposure to air pollution

5. Exposure to radiation from the environment, or from medical or occupational sources

6. Tuberculosis

7. Certain organic chemicals

People over the age of 60, who have a history of smoking or are currently smokers, have a greater risk of developing lung cancer. Chances are increased even more when they have a history of lung tumors.

Symptoms

If you’ve been exposed to any of the risk-increasing factors, it’s important to see a doctor. Many of the symptoms of lung cancer take years to show up, and the disease has progressed to an advanced stage by the time the symptoms are acknowledged as something serious. Here are things to watch for:

1. An intense smoker’s cough

2. A persistent non-smoker’s cough (lasting more than two weeks)

3. Wheezing

4. Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia

5. Change in color or volume of saliva; blood in saliva

6. Bleeding or blood clots in other areas of the body

7. Fatigue

8. Loss of appetite

9. Random bone fractures

10. Swelling of the neck and/or face

11. Unexplainable weight loss

12. Aching joints or head

Prevention

Ways to prevent lung cancer range from simple behavioral changes to complex treatments. These prevention methods take place on a larger social scale, as well as within the individual.

1. Chemo prevention – includes trials of synthetic and naturally occurring substances to prevent the onset of lung cancer

2. Prevention education – programs to help people quit smoking, to educate them about the risks of smoking, and to encourage them never to start smoking

3. Healthy lifestyles –not smoking and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

Treatment

Three main types of treatment are used for lung cancer:

1. Radiation therapy, which is when high-energy x-rays are used to kill cancer cells or halt their growth. Treatment must be spaced out over a long period of time because it is inevitable that some healthy cells will be damaged during the treatment, and they need time to rejuvenate before the next episode. Some side effects are fatigue, hair loss, sensitive or irritable skin, and eating problems- several small meals are recommended during radiation treatment rather than the typical three larger ones.

2. Surgery, which can consist of removing anything from a small tumor to an entire lung. The main after-effects are pain and the chance of infection.

3. Chemotherapy prevents the growth of new cancer cells and stops existing ones from growing. These drugs are usually given in cycles, with the time period between each treatment depending on how severe the cancer is, as well as the type of drug. Side effects include loss of hair, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and the chance of infection because of a weakened immune system.