World Lung Cancer Day is observed on 1 August annually worldwide with an aim to raise awareness about this condition and encourage people to screen themselves early. According to the World Health Organisation report lung cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, claiming more lives yearly than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. And lung cancer accounts for about 1 in 5 cancer deaths worldwide. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in developing countries. This health campaign works to motivate people towards better outcomes and faster recuperation from lung cancer.
Significance
World Lung Cancer Day was established first in 2012, organised by the Forum of Internationally Respiratory Societies in Collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and the American College of Chest Physicians. The World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) is the most renowned organisation in the globe mainly dedicated to only lung cancer-associated problems and educating the populace about its impacts. The key objective of this health event was to let people know about the increasing prevalence of lung cancer and educate people about its preventive measures.
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Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs and mostly develops in those who smoke (both active and passive smokers), while it can also occur in people who haven't smoked. Lung cancer doesn’t show any signs and symptoms in its initial stage, and symptoms typically develop when the cancer is advanced stage.
We take about 23,040 breaths a day, thereby regularly exposing our lungs to the environment. There are several risk factors identified for lung diseases, including cancer. Some of these are controllable risks, while some are less so.
Dive into this article to learn more about the risk factors of lung cancer and ways to prevent it.
Risk Factors
Smoking and tobacco smoke are the common risk factors for more than 85% of all lung cancers.
About 50-80% increased risk of lung cancer is observed in first-degree relatives or siblings.
Emphysema elevates the risk by 2.44-fold and chronic bronchitis a 1.47-fold risk of lung cancer.
Constant exposure to asbestos, diesel engine, exhaust, air pollution, pesticides and heavy metals are related to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Recent research reveals that even e-cigarettes can harm the lungs.
Diagnosis and Staging of Lung Cancer
Several tests and diagnostic tools are used to identify lung cancer and assess how advanced it is, including:
Imaging: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chest computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are some of the imaging tests performed to confirm the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Staging: The magnitude of the cancer is assessed by tumour size, whether cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes and whether metastasis has happened.
Annual screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is suggested for current smokers with about 30 packs per year smoking history and former smokers ages 55 to 80 years.
Also Read: Pulmonary Function Tests: What Is It And What To Expect
Effective Strategies To Prevent Lung Cancer
As per research following these practical self-care steps may be incredibly beneficial to safeguard your lungs and lowers your risk of developing lung cancer.
Load Your Plate With Fruits And Vegetables
Adding a rainbow platter of fruits and vegetables heaped with anticancer traits like flavonoid, beta-carotene and lycopene have proven to lower your risk of lung cancer.
Berries, apples, tomatoes, carrots, and dark green leafy vegetables are packed with these antioxidants that combat free radicals damage and avert the risk of lung cancer.
Add Healthy Source Of Meat
Fatty fish are endowed with a good lot of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 that avert the formation and growth of tumour cells. It is essential to avoid fried, fatty or well-done meat products to prevent meat-related carcinogens.
Quit Smoking
Quit smoking for optimising overall health and steer clear of passive smoke. As smoking and passive smoking are considered two of the main risk factors for developing lung cancer.
Supplements
Supplementing with vitamin E and zinc have found to be beneficial in lowering your risk of lung cancer.
However, it is essential to get advice from your physician before adding any supplement to the regimen.
