Awareness About Lungs Cancer

 Lung cancer is the result of damage to normal cells in the lung. The body programs cells to die at a certain stage in their life cycle to avoid overgrowth. Cancer overrides this instruction, causing cells to grow and multiply when they should not. In lung cancer, this pattern of cell overgrowth occurs in the lungs, which are vital organs for breathing and gas exchange. While anyone can develop lung cancer, cigarette smoking, and exposure to pollution highly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

Around 50 % of  Indians being diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokers. Air pollution both outdoor and indoor – that includes coal and biomass burning is linked to rising lung cancer cases among non-smokers in India. Lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, and unavailability of specialist care is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths in India. Most lung cancer cases in India are detected at advanced stages where chances of survival are grim.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms may take years to develop, and often there are no symptoms at all until the later stages of the disease. The early symptoms of lung cancer are often mistaken and ignored. These include:

• Coughing — A persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks, or coughing up blood
• Chest infection — Infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia
• Trouble breathing — Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest discomfort — Chest pain or sudden and severe discomfort
• Loss of appetite — Many illnesses, including cancer, cause changes in appetite
• Weight loss — If you are losing weight for no known reason, inform your doctor
• Fatigue — Excessive tiredness or weakness is a common sign of cancer

Late signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

• Neck and facial swelling
• Aching bones or joints
• Headaches and dizziness
• Lumps in the neck
• Pain and swelling around the chest

If you have any of the above symptoms or if you are at high risk for developing lung cancer, consult a cancer specialist. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be lifesaving and offers best chances of survival.

- Abhishek Saini