Lung Cancer - Risk Factors - Pollution, Disease, and Other
Researchers have associated various risk factors and causes with lung cancer, and most are related to smoking. However, the chances of developing lung cancer can also be increased by:
Smoking
Exposure to Radon
Exposure to Asbestos
Exposure to Pollution
Exposure to certain diseases
Family or Personal History of cancer
Age
If you are exposed to any of the above, and you also smoke, then you are far more likely to develop lung cancer and other serious health issues.
In this article, we discuss pollution, disease, age, and family or personal history of cancer.
Various researches have identified a link between lung cancer and exposure to certain air pollutants, such as smoke and the other by-products of the combustion of diesel and other fossil fuels.
The smoke from the burning of these substances contains particles that can irritate sensitive lung tissue, causing long term damage over time. In addition, these products may contain the residue of pesticides, fertilisers, or other harmful chemicals and substances that can irritate sensitive lung tissue, and cause cancer and a range of other serious health issues.
These products may also contain carcinogens, which are chemicals and substances that are known to cause cancer. Any living human tissue exposed to these substances and chemicals can develop cancer, including, but not limited to, the lungs, mouth, and throat.
Arsenic, asbestos, uranium, radon, and diesel fuel have all been linked to lung cancer.
In addition to pollution, exposure to various lung diseases, such as Emphysema and Tuberculosis (TB), can greatly increase a person's chances of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer often tends to develop in areas of the lung that are affected and scarred from these diseases. Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is a type of bacteria that is used in cancer treatment to stimulate the immune system. It is also used to vaccinate against tuberculosis.
In addition to the above factors, a person who has a history of lung cancer is more likely to develop other cancers. For example, a person who has had lung cancer in one lung is more likely to develop a lung cancer in the other lung. Quitting smoking, even after the initial lung cancer has been diagnosed, may prevent the development of a second lung cancer.
Scientists have not yet identified a gene or genes linked directly to lung cancer. Some researchers believe that susceptibility to lung or other types of cancer may run in families and be passed onto offspring. However, further research is required to determine this. Even if this does turn out to be true, it is believed that familial lung cancer would account for no more than 1-2% of lung cancers.
Age is another risk factor for lung cancer. The likelihood of developing lung cancer increases with age. Very few people under 40 years of age have lung cancer, in fact; only 1 in 3,000 people aged under 40 have lung cancer. In the 40-59 age groups, approximately 1 in 100 people have lung cancer. Whilst in the 60 and over age group, 1 in 20 people have lung cancer.
Researchers around the world continue to study the causes of lung and other cancers and to search for ways to prevent or cure them. The best way to prevent lung cancer and a range of other serious health complications is to stop smoking, or never start smoking in the first place!
The sooner a person stops smoking the better their prospects for a healthy future. Even if someone has been smoking for many years, it's never too late to benefit from quitting as after a time, the effects of the smoking can wear off and the lungs benefit.
Lung Cancer - Overview
Lung Cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages. Many lung cancers begin in the bronchi though others can start in other parts of the lungs. Lung cancer also has a tendency to form in the glands below the bronchi.
Lung Cancer - Probabilities
Lung cancer causes up to 30% of all cancer related deaths, and it is the 2nd leading cause of death among both men and women in western society. 85% of all lung cancers are caused by a person's smoking habit or just by breathing in the second-hand smoke of others.
Lung Cancer - Screening
At this moment in time, there is no particularly useful single test that can be considered 100% reliable for the early detection of lung cancer. Unfortunately unless someone is undergoing a health screen for something completely unrelated, lung cancer is very often only discovered in the later stages of the disease when it is often too late to do anything but offer palliative treatment.
Lung Cancer - Symptoms
The most common indicators and symptoms of lung cancer include the following: Fatigue Shortness of breath and wheezing (dyspnoea) A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over time Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis Constant chest pain Coughing up blood (bloody sputum) (haemoptysis) Swelling of the neck and face Fever Loss of appetite and Weight loss (anorexia) Hoarse voice
Lung Cancer Treatment Options - Radiation
In many cases of lung cancer, surgery is not an option. This may be because of the advanced stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor or tumors, or because of the overall general health of the patient. In those cases, the oncologist may suggest radiation therapy to treat lung cancer. Even if surgery is an option, the doctor may suggest irradiation either before therapy to shrink the tumor or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Lung Cancer - Trends by Ethnicity, Sex and Race
In the USA and many other western countries, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Lung cancer has been found to be the leading cancer killer among Caucasians, African-Americans, Asians and Hispanic males.