Facts About the Incidence of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common among women and men. It is also the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer for both genders. These stat facts are based upon population statistics from SEER and are adjusted for age.

The majority of cases are non-small lung cancers which include Adenocarcinomas (adenocarcinomas) and squamous carcinomas. These are linked to smoking cigarettes.

Smoking

Smoking can cause cancerous cell to multiply in uncontrolled ways in the lungs. This can lead to tumors that may limit the ability of an individual to breathe. Cancers can also spread to other parts of the body. Other factors can trigger lung carcinoma, but most cases are caused by cigarettes smoking or other tobacco use, such as chewing tobacco and pipe smoking.

The cancerous cells in the lungs which comprise the majority of the 230,000 new lung cancers that are diagnosed in America every year are classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Smokers are the most likely to develop a form of NSCLC called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. However, non-smokers may be more likely to develop Adenocarcinoma.

Researchers in the 1950s identified lung cancer to smoking cigarettes. This led to international health campaigns that discouraged smoking. Lung cancer is a major cause of death and the highest rates of deaths and incidence are among smokers. Strong Memorial Hospital and affiliates offer low-dose CT scans to screen those who are deemed to be eligible. These scans offer more detailed images of the lungs and air tubes as compared to chest x-rays and less radiation. This method is 20 percent more likely to detect cancers than chest xrays.

Exposure to secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke is the smoky residue smokers release when they exhale or light up. It is made up of the same harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke that you inhale directly. Some of these chemicals can cause immediate damage to your airways and lungs. They can also increase your risk of heart disease and blood vessel issues by making your blood more likely to clot.

Smoke from secondhand cigarettes can be inhaled by a variety of people including those who smoke at work, during social occasions, or when visiting someone else who smokes. Smoking secondhand can increase the risk of lung cancer by 30 percent. Additionally, it can make existing respiratory conditions, like asthma, worse. It also affects newborn babies that are born prematurely and suffer from low birth weight, in addition to increasing the chance of miscarriage stillbirth and ectopic pregnancy. Smoking secondhand smoke can increase the risk of a heart attack. It can make a stroke or heart attack more likely.

Genetics

Certain cases of lung cancer are caused by genetic factors. Smokers and non-smokers are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they have a family history of. Studies have identified several genes that are linked to lung cancer susceptibility such as ERCC6 and the nicotinic receptor gene cluster located on the chromosome 15q25.1.

Many people inherit defective mechanisms for DNA repair, making them more susceptible to develop cancer-causing mutations. These mutations may occur in DNA acquired or inherited during life.

These mutations can lead to different cancers including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC includes the adenocarcinoma (adenocarcinoma) and squamous-cell carcinoma (squamous-cell carcinoma) and large-cell carcinoma.

The majority of gene changes that increase the risk of lung cancer occur during a person's lifetime. Certain gene changes are passed down through generations, and lung cancer runs in families at around 8 percent. A first-degree relative who was diagnosed with lung cancer may increase the risk of developing the disease. Some gene mutations may cause lung tumors to expand or spread more quickly. Tumor profiling can identify which genes are mutated in a patient's lung cancer and help determine treatment options.

Environmental factors

Smoking is the most significant cause of lung cancer. However there are other environmental factors that may be contributing to the illness. They include exposure to chemicals like arsenic, organic chemicals, radon and asbestos, as well air pollution from dust and fumes. Furthermore, nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke have higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who are not.

Radon is an organic gas that can build up in homes and buildings. It occurs naturally in rocks and soil. It can escape into the air through cracks or holes in foundations, walls as well as sump pumps, diagnosed with lung cancer drains pipes, vents, and pipes. It has been linked to lung cancer in people who have lived in homes with high radon levels for a long time.

Primary prevention involves the elimination or reduction of known risk factors in populations at risk. This is done by providing education to the public, supporting health campaigns, and implementing changes in behavior. Media should be a major factor in disseminating information about lung cancer and its causes to the public.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lung cancer differ according to the stage and type of the cancer. Early stages of lung cancer may not be symptomatic. However when the cancer has spread to your ribs and spine it can cause breathing difficulties or back pain. Other symptoms include coughing that does not disappear or becomes worse the more it gets worse, chest pain and hoarseness.

The lung are two organs with a cone shape located in the chest. They release carbon dioxide (a chemical waste product derived from cells) and bring oxygen to the body. The lungs consist of two tubes, also known as bronchi, which connect to the windpipe (trachea) as well as a number of tiny air sacs, also known as alveoli. Non-small-cell lung cancer or NSCLC, is a cancer that begins in the lungs. Metastatic cancer, also referred to as second-line NSCLC is the name for cancers that begin in other places before moving to the lungs.

A doctor will diagnose lung cancer after listening to your lungs with the stethoscope as well as performing an examination. They will also inquire about your history of smoking. The doctor will also inquire about any other health problems you may have.