Winters not only bring cold winds but also drive various infections and illnesses like common cold, flu, cough etc. But do you know that it's not always necessary that your cough is just a common cough? It could be a sign for various complex conditions, especially if you have had it for weeks or months. Persistent cough can also be a sign of lung cancer, especially if you are a smoker. In situations like these, it is advised to see a doctor at the earliest.
In this blog, we have shared some facts that can help you to know more about lung cancer.
As per Indian Government statistics, India has 14,61,427 lung cancer cases. In simple words, 1 in 9 people is most likely to get lung cancer in their lifetime. So, who are at the most risk of getting lung cancer? The one who smokes but it can also occur in people who don't smoke. However, the number of cigarettes you smoke significantly increases the risk.
Symptoms
In the early stages of lung cancer, you may not get any signs or symptoms. The signs of lung cancer are typically visible in the advanced stages.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- A new cough that stays for a prolonged time and doesn’t go with usual medications
- Presence of blood in cough
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight loss
- Pain in bones or frequent headache
Causes
- There are no clear and definite causes behind this condition as it occurs in both smokers and non-smokers. But it is proven that smokers are at greatest risk of getting this disease as compared to non-smokers. Also, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of getting lung cancer like: Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer significantly. Quitting smoking at any age significantly reduces the risk of developing lung cancer.
- Passive smoking or second-hand smoking also increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
- People who have undergone radiation therapy in the chest are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
- Radon gas is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in water, soil or rock. If you breathe in such an environment then you are at a greater risk.
- Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium and nickel increases your risk of developing lung cancer significantly.
- If you have a parent, sibling or anyone in close blood relation who had lung cancer then you are at an increased risk of developing this disease.
Types
Lung cancer can be of two different types:
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer or NSCLC – it is an umbrella term for various types of lung cancers. This type of cancer includes squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer or SCLC – this is a less common type of lung cancer that usually affects heavy smokers.
Treatment
Lung cancer treatment in India is determined by a number of factors which includes the patient's general health, medical history, symptoms and stage of cancer. Here are the ones usually considered by oncologists:
- Surgical treatment is prescribed to remove the cancerous part of the lung. This may include removal of part or entire one lung.
- Chemotherapy is frequently used in a combination with surgery to get rid of all or part of the lung. It is prescribed during early stages of treatment.
- Radiation therapy involves using X-rays and protons to kill cancer cells. This therapy is used before or after the surgery for locally advanced lung cancer.
- Chemoradiation therapy or the combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is usually given to patients with stage four lung.
- Immunotherapy is advised to patients with locally advanced metastasized lung cancer.
Lifestyle changes and chances of survival
Before advising a course of therapy, the hospitals providing may advise supportive or palliative care. This may be advised before, during, or after the above-mentioned treatment courses. Also, you will be advised to adopt healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet.
Looking for a lung cancer hospital in Faridabad? Sarvodaya Cancer Institute, one of North India’s leading cancer care centres ensures the best cancer treatment in India. Here we offer the best diagnosis and treatment options for lung cancer care. We bring highly renowned oncologists who offer world-class treatment and diagnostics facilities such as imaging, molecular testing, guided bronchoscopy, fluoroscopy, image-guided biopsy, MRI, PET CT scanning and radiotherapy. We house state-of-the-art technologies such as Discovery IQ PET CT, Versa HD 6D Linac, and Gamma Camera and more. Get in touch with us to know more..
