World Lung Cancer Day: Early Detection and Prevention Key to Saving Lives

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. These cells can eventually form tumors, interfere with lung function, and spread to other parts of the body. It is broadly classified into two main types:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – accounting for about 85% of cases.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – a more aggressive form that spreads quickly.

While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, non-smokers are not immune. Other risk factors include:

Secondhand smoke

Exposure to air pollution

Contact with radon gas or asbestos

A family history of lung cancer

Occupational exposure to toxic chemicals

It’s important to remember that quitting smoking at any stage significantly reduces your risk.

Lung cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages, but being alert can make a difference. Common warning signs include:

A persistent cough or changes to a chronic cough

Coughing up blood

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue or hoarseness

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

Stop smoking – The single most effective step in reducing your risk.

Avoid secondhand smoke – Encourage smoke-free environments.

Stay active and eat healthily – A strong immune system helps fight disease.

Get screened – People at high risk (especially heavy smokers aged 55-80) should consider low-dose CT scans for early detection.

Protect your lungs at work – Use protective gear when working with chemicals or pollutants.

Lung cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. The main treatments can be grouped as follows:

- Surgery: Removing all or part of the lung with cancer. This is most often used for early-stage cancers when the tumor hasn't spread far, and the patient is healthy enough for an operation.

- Chemotherapy: Medicines are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can shrink tumors before surgery, kill remaining cancer after surgery, or treat cancer that has spread beyond the lungs.

- Radiation Therapy: Powerful X-rays target and kill cancer cells in a specific area. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments. Sometimes it's used after surgery, or as the main treatment if surgery isn’t possible.

- Targeted Therapy: These are medicines designed to attack specific changes or proteins found in some lung cancers. They may work where standard chemotherapy does not. Doctors test your tumor to see if targeted therapy will help.

- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps your immune system find and attack cancer cells. It’s often used for more advanced cancers and sometimes combined with other therapies.

- Combination Therapy: Often, more than one treatment is used — for example, surgery followed by chemotherapy, or chemotherapy and radiation together.

Also there are treatments to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, known as palliative care. If you or a loved one is facing lung cancer, ask your doctor about all treatment options, including new therapies in clinical trials. The choice of treatment is highly individual, so discussing risks and benefits with your healthcare team is important.

Every lung cancer survivor is a source of inspiration and hope. By sharing their stories, we can spread awareness and support others on their journey. Let us come together to eliminate the stigma, promote early detection, and advocate for better access to care.

Educate yourself and others about lung cancer.

Encourage loved ones to quit smoking.

Support lung cancer research and awareness campaigns.

Wear white or pearl, the awareness ribbon color for lung cancer, to show your solidarity.

Lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease. It can affect anyone, and knowledge is our first line of defense. As a society, we must remove the stigmas, encourage early screenings, and support research for better treatments. Together, we can breathe easier knowing we are better informed and more prepared