Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers worldwide, claiming more lives yearly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. Lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest that enables one to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Failure of this organ can instantly turn fatal. According to World Health Organization, lung cancer is responsible for nearly 25 percent of cancer death and is one of the most common cancer worldwide. To raise awareness about the challenges and threats related to lung cancer, every year, August 1 is observed as World Lung Cancer Day.
The prevalence of lung cancer is attributed to several risk factors including passive exposure to diesel fumes, workplace carcinogens, radon, asbestos, and biomass fuels, but smoking tobacco is the key risk factor and accounts for over 70% of cases.
Lung cancer causes pain in the chest and ribs. The most common symptom includes coughing which can be chronic, dry, with phlegm or blood. It can cause fatigue and loss of appetite. Lung cancer increases the risk of respiratory infections, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms include weight loss, hoarseness, swollen lymph node, and weakness.
The treatment of lung cancer depends on the stage of cancer that’s detected in an individual body and how far the illness has damaged blood vessels, lymph, and nodes.