World Lung Cancer Day is observed on 1 August globally to raise awareness among the population about the impact of lung cancer and promote early screening. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and this health event serves as a platform to educate people about the disease, its risk factors and the need for prompt detection and screening.
In the early 20th century lung cancer was a rare condition, but its incidence has slowly risen with increasing smoking, and it has now emerged as the most common type of cancer across the world. As per the World Health Organisation reports, lung cancer accounts for 12.8% of cancer cases and 17.8 % of cancer deaths globally. As per a recent study, the prevalence of lung cancer in India may touch 1.57 million cases by 2025 which was 1.46 cases in 2022.
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Lung cancer is a preventable disease. Several factors hold a significant role in cancer development including tobacco products, industrial products like uranium, radiation asbestos, air pollution and nutritional deficiencies. Evidence has shown that the primary factor increasing the risk of lung cancer is the long-term respiration of carcinogenic compounds. Moreover, the risk of lung cancer also elevates with a history of cancer in another region of the body, radiation exposure to the chest region and lung diseases like COPD.
Significance of World Lung Cancer Day
World Lung Cancer Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the effects of lung cancer, promote early detection, and highlight the importance of advanced treatments. Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, making awareness and education a key role in improving the quality of life. The day aims to shed light on the major symptoms and screening options available. The key symptoms include a change in mucus, chest or back ache, coughing with blood and difficulty swallowing. Chest X-rays, CT and PET scans, bronchoscopy and needle biopsies are diagnostic tools used to determine lung cancer. If you are currently smoking or a former smoker and are over age 55, you may be an ideal candidate for a low-dose CT scan screening, which serves as an effective tool in detecting lung cancer at the earliest stages.
Effective Ways to Manage Lung Cancer
Managing lung cancer involves a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and supportive care. Here are some effective strategies:
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Screening: Regular screenings, especially for high-risk individuals (e.g., smokers, and those with a family history), can help in early detection when the cancer is most treatable.
Symptoms Awareness: Recognizing symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. Being aware of symptoms and getting timely medical may help to rule out the possibility of cancer.
Medical Treatments
Surgery: Surgical removal of tumours can be an effective mode of treatment in early-stage lung cancer.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation rays are typically used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to damage cancer cells or prevent their metastasis.
Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth.
Immunotherapy: This therapy aims to trigger the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Lifestyle Changes
Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation is a key lifestyle modification that may immensely help a person decrease the risk of developing lung cancer and improve outcomes for those diagnosed.
Healthy Diet: A balanced and wholesome diet laden with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health, boosts the immune system and can improve treatment outcomes.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps maintain overall health and can ease treatment side effects.
Supportive Care
Palliative Care: Focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients at any stage of cancer.
Psychological Support: Counselling and support groups can help patients and families cope with emotional challenges.
Nutritional Support: A qualified dietitian can offer holistic and tailored nutrition plans to help mitigate side effects and improve strength and stamina during treatment.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://www.uicc.org/news/world-lung-cancer-day-shines-spotlight-silent-killer-air-pollution
https://www.ersnet.org/news-and-features/news/world-lung-cancer-day-commemorates-celebrates-and-supports-those-impacted-by-lung-cancer/
