Lung cancer is often called a “silent killer” because it is difficult to spot until it progresses to an advanced, more critical stage. The early stages have subtle symptoms that can be mistaken for the common cold or allergies. Awareness about these early warning signs can help you act before it’s too late.
On this World Lung Cancer Day, let’s understand more about lung cancer symptoms, lung cancer stages, treatment, and prevention.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is caused by the uncontrollable growth of cells in the lungs. This growth can turn into tumours that can be deadly.
We have all heard that smoking is the cause of lung cancer, but there can be many other factors at play:
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Air pollution
- Asbestos or radon gas exposure
- Family history of lung cancer
- Chronic lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Lung cancer symptoms can vary widely and often depend on the type of lung cancer and how far it has progressed.
Here are the common symptoms:
- Persistent cough that doesn’t go away
- Seeing blood in the cough
- Rust-coloured phlegm
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarse voice
- Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent respiratory infections (bronchitis or pneumonia)
Many of these symptoms are easy to ignore, and many people are diagnosed at a later stage. That’s why routine check-ups and screenings are essential for high-risk groups.
In advanced cases, the cancer can spread to other body areas and lead to noticeable lung cancer symptoms on skin, such as:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (if the cancer spreads to the liver)
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Nodules or lumps under the skin
- Unexplained bruising
Types of Lung Cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer, and understanding which one is present helps guide the best treatment:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): NSCLC makes up about 85% of the lung cancer cases, as per NCBI. It grows and spreads more slowly than small cells.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Less common but more aggressive. It spreads quickly and often requires a combination of treatments.
The type detection can help doctors proceed with the lung cancer therapy accordingly.
Lung Cancer Stages: What They Mean
Lung cancer is typically divided into the following five stages based on the tumour size and spread:
- Stage 0 (in situ): In this stage, the cancerous cells are on the top lining of the lungs or bronchus.
- Stage 1: Cancer is confined to one lung and hasn’t spread. Stage 1 lung cancer symptoms are mild and can usually go unnoticed.
- Stage 2: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: More extensive spread to lymph nodes or chest structures.
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread (metastasised) to other organs.
The earlier you get diagnosed with lung cancer, the more effective the treatment is.
Lung Cancer Treatment Options
Treatments for lung cancer help remove the cancerous cells to stop them from overgrowing. It also depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient.
Standard lung cancer therapy options include:
- Surgery: It is the best option for early-stage cancers as it involves the small part of the lung that may be removed easily.
- Radiation Therapy: This process uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: This drug therapy helps kill or stop cancer cells from growing, especially in later stages.
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: This helps attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells. It also allows the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
How to Stay Safe? Prevention and Early Detection
The best way to beat lung cancer is through regular screening methods and avoiding things that can put you at high risk. Days like World Lung Cancer Awareness Day remind us that, through the following steps, we can keep ourselves safe:
- Quit smoking as it increases your risk of lung cancer. Even passive smoking can be equally harmful.
- Eating a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and carotenoids can have a protective role against lung cancer, as per several studies on PubMed.
- Have regular screening (CT scans) for lung cancer to detect it early and minimise complications.
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To Sum Up
Lung cancer can be a severe burden, but if caught in the initial stages, it can be treated effectively. Knowing the lung cancer symptoms, from a stubborn cough to subtle skin changes, can make all the difference. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms listed that don’t go away, talk to your doctor.
