Lung
cancer is the uncontrolled growth of
abnormal cells taking place in one or both lungs. As tumors become larger and
more numerous, they undermine the lung’s ability to provide the bloodstream
with oxygen.
The statistics from the GLOBOCAN 2008 cancer fact
sheet state that lung cancer has been the most common cancer
in the world for several decades, and by 2008, there were an estimated 1.61
million new cases, representing 12.7% of all new cancers. It was also the most
common cause of death from cancer, with 1.38 million deaths. Majority of the
cases now occur in the developing countries. It is still the most common cancer
in men worldwide (1.1 million cases), with high rates in Central-Eastern and
Southern Europe, Northern America and Eastern Asia. In females, incidence rates
are generally lower, however, worldwide, it is now the fourth most frequent
cancer of women (516 000 cases) and the second most common cause of death from
cancer (427 000 deaths). The highest incidence rate is observed in Northern
America and the lowest in Middle Africa. Because of its high fatality (the
ratio of mortality to incidence is 0.86) and the lack of variability in
survival in developed and developing countries, the highest and lowest
mortality rates are estimated in the same regions, both in men and women.
According to the American Cancer Society, this
cancer makes up 14% of all newly diagnosed cancers in the USA today. Annually,
more patients die from it alone than prostate, breast and colon cancers put
together (in the USA). An American man’s lifetime risk of developing lung
cancer is 1 in 13; for a woman the risk is 1 in 16. These risk figures are for smokers,
ex-smokers and non-smokers. The risk for a regular smoker is considerably
higher.
Cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk
factor for lung cancer. Exposure to radon gas released from soil and building
materials is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in Europe
and North America. Other risk factors include occupational or environmental
exposure to smoke, asbestos, certain metals (chromium, cadmium, arsenic),
organic chemicals, radiation, air pollution, and paint. Risk is also increased
among patients of tuberculosis. Genetic susceptibility also contributes to the
development, especially in people who develop the disease at a younger age.
Most patients are over the age of 60 years when they
are diagnosed. It takes several years to reach a level where symptoms are felt
and the sufferer decides to seek medical help. Symptoms may take year to appear
and are quite varied and depend on its location, spread, and size of tumor.
These include:
·
persistent or intense coughing,
·
pain in the chest shoulder, or back from
coughing,
·
changes in color of the sputum,
·
difficulty breathing and swallowing,
·
hoarseness,
·
stridor,
·
chronic bronchitis or pneumonia,
·
hemoptysis
·
swollen/enlarged lymph nodes
·
fever,
·
fatigue,
·
unexplained weight loss,
·
pain in joints or bones,
·
swelling in the neck or face,
·
general weakness,
·
bleeding and blood clots.
In the case of metastasis, the symptoms depend upon
the site of spread.
Early screening can help detect cancer development
at an early stage and help reduce mortality. Sputum cytology, chest x-rays and
CT scans are mainly used for screening. New technologies are emerging that aim
for early detection. More information on screening and diagnostic tests can be
found on healthcarevilla.com.
Lung
cancer is classified as small cell
or non-small cell for the purposes of treatment which includes surgery,
radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. For most cases, surgery
is usually the treatment of choice, and survival for most of these patients is
improved by giving chemotherapy after surgery. Because the disease has usually
spread at the time of diagnosis, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often
used, sometimes in combination with surgery. Prognosis is generally poor. Of
all patients, 15% survive for five years after diagnosis.
