Lung cancer is increasing rapidly in non-smokers

February 9,Kathmandu.Cases of lung cancer are increasing all over the world among people who have never touched a cigarette in their life. A study was published in Lancet on World Cancer Day on February 4. According to this study, 25 lakh lung cancer patients were found all over the world in the year 2022.

Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer. The same Lancet study says that the number of cigarette smokers has also decreased rapidly in the last few years. Despite this, cases of lung cancer are continuously increasing.

According to this report of Lancet, in the year 2022, 53-70% of lung cancer cases were seen in people who do not smoke cigarettes. Then what is the reason that lung cancer cases are increasing. According to the report, the biggest reason for this is that the air of the whole world is getting polluted. The dangerous effect of increasing air pollution is visible in the form of increasing lung cancer. Countries like India, China and Thailand are most affected by this.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a serious disease. In this, the cells of the lungs start growing uncontrollably and gather at one place and form a tumor, which ultimately causes lung cancer.

How many types of lung cancer are there?

Many types of cancer can occur in the lungs, but generally two types of cancer are called lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung tissue. 80% of all lung cancer cases suffer from NSCLC. There are mainly two types of it – adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma cancer occurs in the tissues in the lungs that produce mucus or other liquids. According to a Lancet study, in the year 2022, cases of adenocarcinoma cancer were found in people who had never smoked cigarettes.

Of the total cases of adenocarcinoma cancer, approximately 5.5 lakh were women who had never touched a cigarette in their life.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

This cancer spreads quickly and is difficult to treat. Usually, it occurs as a small tumor that begins in the airways of the lungs. It may have spread to other parts of the body before it is detected.

There are also some other cancers around the lungs, which can occur in the bones and the lining of the lungs. However, these are not called lung cancer.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The symptoms of lung cancer are mild in the beginning. In many cases, the symptoms are not detected until the disease becomes severe. However, some people may show symptoms in the early stages itself.

stage of lung cancer

There are four stages of lung cancer. It is decided on the basis of the size of the tumor. It is also seen whether the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues, lymph nodes and other organs. Lymph nodes are a part of our immune system, which protects the body from viruses and bacteria.

Stage 0: This means that the cancer is still only in the upper layer of the lung or bronchus. It has not spread to other parts of the lung or beyond. Bronchus is the tube through which air enters the lungs.

Stage I: Cancer is growing inside the lungs but has not yet started to spread outside the lungs.

Stage II: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes within the lung, or more than one tumor has formed in a single lobe (part of a lung).

Stage III: In this stage, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to different lobes of the same lung.

Stage IV: In the fourth stage, the cancer has begun to spread to other parts of the lung, the fluid surrounding it, the heart, or other parts of the body.

Ways to prevent lung cancer

To prevent lung cancer, first quit smoking. Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer. Also, you can avoid lung cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

stay away from cigarettes and tobacco

According to WHO, smoking is the biggest reason for the increasing cases of lung cancer. According to a Lancet study, in the next 5 years after quitting smoking, the body recovers itself and the risk of lung cancer also decreases.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables and fiber is helpful in preventing cancer. Also, antioxidants rich foods are good for lung health.

Do breathing exercises

Regular exercise keeps the body healthy and helps reduce the risk of cancer. Also, breathing exercises keep the lungs strong.

Take care of lung protection

If you work in a factory where you are exposed to poisonous gases or toxins, take special care of safety. Wear a mask and use a ventilation system while working.

Install an air purifier

If you live in a polluted area or city, get an air purifier installed in your home. It cleans the air and protects the lungs from pollution.

Get regular health checkups

If you are at risk of lung cancer or someone in your family has had this disease, get tested immediately if symptoms appear.

Common questions and answers related to lung cancer

Is 100% recovery from lung cancer possible?

Yes, in some cases, lung cancer patients recover completely and enjoy a normal life. If lung cancer is detected in the early stages, the disease is easy to treat. If it is late, it may be difficult to save the patient

Once lung cancer is cured, can it occur again?

Yes, lung cancer can recur even after recovery. If you see the old symptoms again, contact the doctor.

Can there be health related problems even after lung cancer is cured? If yes, then what?

Problems like fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and weight loss may occur immediately after lung cancer treatment. However, as a precaution, you should talk to your doctor.​

If someone in the family has lung cancer, does the possibility of it occurring in the next generation increase?

Yes, if someone in the family has had lung cancer, then the chances of it increasing in the next generation. Some genetic mutations go on from generation to generation. However, this does not mean that this disease will definitely occur in the next generation as well.

What are those early signs which, if seen, should immediately lead to testing for lung cancer?

If you have persistent cough, blood in cough, difficulty in breathing and chest pain, rapid weight loss, then these could be symptoms of lung cancer. In such a situation, you should get yourself examined immediately.

What are those early signs which, if seen, should immediately lead to testing for lung cancer?

If you have persistent cough, blood in cough, difficulty in breathing and chest pain, rapid weight loss, then these could be symptoms of lung cancer. In such a situation, you should get yourself examined immediately.

Do the chances of lung cancer reduce if one has a good lifestyle and food habits despite smoking cigarettes?

Absolutely not, cigarette is a poison in itself. The harms of smoking are so many that even a good lifestyle cannot reduce its effect.