Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Currently, the number of lung cancer patients is increasing. It is believed that lung cancer occurs in smokers. However, Lung cancer is now being diagnosed among non-smokers.
Pollution and harmful chemicals are the main reasons behind this. As the symptoms of this cancer are persistent cough and phlegm, many people ignore them. Oncologists say that it is very difficult to treat such patients as they are not diagnosed on time.
World Lung Day is observed on August 1. The main objective behind this is to create awareness among people about lung cancer. Lung cancer is second only to oral cancer in Indian men and fourth in women.
Dr Sundaram Pillai, Surgical Oncologist at Zynova Shalby Multi-Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, said, “The incidence of Lung cancer patients among non-smokers is increasing. Often these patients have developed cancer due to exposure to pollution and hazardous chemicals. We treat 10-15 lung cancer patients every year. The majority of these patients come for treatment in the third and fourth stages of cancer. Patients with advanced disease have to be treated with radiation and chemotherapy.”
Dr Pillai added, “In the first stage, this cancer is found in the lungs but doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. Treatment at an early stage helps reduce mortality in patients. In the second stage, cancer appears to have spread to the lymph node along with the lung nodes. In stage III, the cancer is in the lymph nodes in the lungs and center of the chest. In stage IV, cancer has spread to the lungs and other parts of the body. Timely diagnosis to manage lung cancer can save a patient's life.”
“Lung cancer is a silent killer. This is because lung cancer rarely has symptoms in its early stages and symptoms begin to appear as the disease progresses. Coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexpected weight loss, and bone pain are some of the symptoms of lung cancer. If you don't smoke but are exposed to cigarette smoke, your risk of developing lung cancer is universal. So not only is it important not to smoke, but it is equally important to stay away from people who smoke around you. Therefore, regular exercise and a nutritious diet are essential to keep yourself away from lung cancer. Including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet can reduce the risk of lung cancer,” concluded Dr. Donald John Babu, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.
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