Lung cancer is the world’s number one cancer-related death. As medical science grows, its survival rate would also depend on the early diagnosis and prevention. Having the capability to know the risk factors that could raise a person’s vulnerability to lung cancer, procedures for prevention, and updates on information would constitute the fight of this global epidemic, lung cancer.
According to Dr. Kamran Ali, lung cancer is a preventable condition if the risk factors are known and precautions taken beforehand.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, usually taking the form of a tumor that might block the normal mechanism of breathing and even cause other parts of the body to become infected.
Lung cancer major predisposing factors include genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to the environment. Common symptoms includes chronic cough, chest pain, and breathlessness.
Top 10 Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
1. Tobacco Smoking: About 85% of all lung cancer contributions come from smoking. Cigarettes, cigars and pipes that ultimately destroy lung tissue. Exposure to secondhand smoke is equally as hazardous and has contributed to lung cancer in many nonsmokers.
2. Exposure to Radon Gas: It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Generally, it is discovered in soil and rocks. Building it inside with the aid of poor ventilation increases the chance for lung cancer doctor.
3. Air Pollution: Chronic exposure to polluted air causes lung cancer, this happens very often in the urban region. The main polluters of particulate matter, vehicle emission and chemicals produced by industrial industries are so toxic to humans.
4. Exposure to Asbestos: Asbestos is a common carcinogen both at the construction and manufacturing level, and workers usually get exposed with no proper protection due to which a lung cancer may develop.
5. Genetics: If there is some family history
The patient would likely get diagnosed even if he or she has not smoked.
6. Past History of Other Lung Disease: A history of COPD, tuberculosis, or interstitial lung disease increases the risk of lung cancer.
7. Chemical Exposures: This has a higher risk of lung cancer for people who are exposed to carcinogenic chemicals at work. These include arsenic, chromium, and nickel.
8. Radiation Therapy: Earlier radiation to the chest for breast or Hodgkin’s lymphoma may increase lung cancer much later in life.
9 Dietary Deficiencies: Poor diet and lesser consumption of fruits and vegetables may make the lungs less potent to fight carcinogens, therefore increasing the chance of developing cancer.
10. Smoking or Using Vaping Products: Smoking and vaping regularly can lead to lung cancer.
Minimize Lung Cancer Risk
1. Quit Smoking: Stop smoking completely as this is the best way of prevention. People can also take support of stop programs and counseling or therapies to deal with this addiction.
2. Stop going to pollutes environment : Reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke by staying away from smoke-friendly places. Support those members of your family and friends to quit smoking not only for their own health but also to prevent harming you.
3. Test the Radon Level in Your House: Install radon detectors and eliminate further if higher levels of radon are observed within your home.
4. Nutritious Diet: Intake of dietary antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals through fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also avoid a pro-inflammation diet.
5. Exercises: Regular activities like walking/jogging or yoga in the morning increases lung capacity, thus enhancing your well-being
6. Protection in Workplace: Those people who work in hazardous industries must wear protective equipment and masks and respirators so that the carcinogens may not enter the body.
7. Vaccine : To avoid illnesses and diseases especially influenza and pneumonia, one can prevent their lungs from getting damaged easily by taking vaccination dose on time
8. Healthy Indoor Environment : Keeping the environment clean and using an air purifier at homes can help people to minimize the risk of lung cancer.
9. Screen early: Individuals in high-risk groups should be scheduled to undergo low-dose CT scans regularly. Most at-risk individuals happen to be elderly smokers above 50 years.
10. Raise awareness: Seek information about the risks associated with lung cancer and educating people around can actually help to raise awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lung Cancer
1. Can non-smokers also contract lung cancer?
Actually, lung cancer occurs among non-smokers too. This is due to various reasons including exposure to radon, air pollution, etc.
2. What’s the first lung cancer symptom?
Possible early symptoms include chronic cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, and unintended weight loss, though these symptoms do not specifically indicate lung cancer, refer to a doctor for proper diagnosis.
3. How is lung cancer diagnosed?
There are different tools that diagnose lung cancer. Some include X-rays in the chest, CT scans, biopsies, and bronchoscopy. Screening is one of the measures in early detection.
4. Does diet influence the risk of lung cancer?
Yes, a diet rich with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals strengthens the immunity level and helps to fight off such diseases.
5. Lung cancer patient prognosis
The prognosis will be dependent upon the stage of detection of cancer. In case it is diagnosed early, then survival chances are significantly more in comparison to those detected late.
Conclusion
Risk factors including smoking, pollution and workplace hazards can lead to life threatening diseases such as lung cancer.
Non smokers are also at risk because of their environment. Awareness campaigns should be made to aware people about the causes of lung cancer and how they can avoid it.
This can be achieved at the individual as well as societal levels by promoting healthier lifestyles, avoiding carcinogens, regular screenings etc.
Remember, prevention is better than cure and early detection saves lives. Take charge of your lung health today and get in touch with an expert such as Dr. Kamran Ali for individual advice.
