Lung cancer is one of the most serious and common cancers in the world. It poses a major public health challenge in India, contributing to approximately 5.9% of all cancer cases and responsible for 8.1% of cancer-related deaths nationwide. Lung cancer is potentially curable, especially when detected and treated in its early stages. Knowing the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options can help people spot it early and seek help.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a condition that occurs when cells in the lungs grow in an uncontrolled way and form malignant tumours. If not treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body.
What are the types of lung cancer?
Small Cell Lung Cancers (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers (NSCLC) are the two primary types. This classification is based upon the microscopic appearance of cancer cells. The most common type of lung cancer is NSCLC. It grows more slowly, while SCLC is more aggressive and spreads faster.
What are the stages of lung cancer?
Lung cancer stages tell you how far the cancer has spread. Staging is important because it helps doctors plan treatment.
- Stage 1: Cancer is only in the lung.
- Stage 2: Tumour is still in the lung and nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread more widely in the chest area.
- Stage 4: Cancer cells have spread to some other parts of the body, like the brain or liver.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer is often called a silent killer because nearly 25% of all lung cancer cases do not present any symptoms in the initial stages. In the advanced stage, symptoms like a persistent cough, blood in the sputum, a constant, dull pain in the chest, shortness of breath, hoarseness of voice (due to paralysis of nerves leading to the vocal cords), difficulty in swallowing and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis are common. If the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, there may be additional symptoms like headaches, seizures, blurred vision and stroke.
What are the first signs of lung cancer?
While early lung cancer does not always cause symptoms, some people might notice a cough that changes or gets worse, shortness of breath, mild chest pain or feel more tired than usual. If you have smoked for years or have been around other people who smoke, it is especially important to pay attention to these early changes.
What causes lung cancer?
The most important cause of lung cancer is smoking (cigarettes, pipes and cigars). It has been found that 90% of all lung cancer cases are due to tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoke contains around 4000 chemicals, out of which about 60 are found to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). The most harmful of these chemicals are nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It has also been found that the risk of cancer drastically reduces as soon as the person ceases smoking.
Other risk factors include:
- Breathing in second-hand smoke
- Exposure to very harmful substances like asbestos or radon
- Some metals like cadmium, chromium and arsenic
- Air pollution
- Having a family history of lung cancer
- Previous radiation treatment to the chest
Does vaping cause lung cancer?
Vaping is still being studied, but it is not risk-free. E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, but they still deliver chemicals into your lungs. These substances could harm lung tissue, and scientists do not yet fully know if they cause lung cancer in the same way cigarettes do. Some experts believe vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it is safer to avoid it altogether if you can.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose lung cancer by looking at your symptoms, medical history and your risk factors. If they suspect you could have lung cancer, they will refer you for tests to see what is going on.
What tests will be done to diagnose lung cancer?
Several tests can help confirm lung cancer:
- Chest X-ray: A simple picture of the lungs to look for tumours.
- CT scan: It gives a very detailed image of the lungs.
- PET scan: Shows if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken and observed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
- Bronchoscopy: A thin tube goes down into the lungs to look for tumours or take samples.
Blood tests might also be done to check your general health before treatment starts.
How is lung cancer treated?
Treatment largely depends on the type of lung cancer, how far it has spread and your overall health.
The main treatments are:
- Surgery: Doctors remove a part or all of the lung with the tumour, if possible.
- Radiotherapy: Uses strong X-rays to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to directly kill the cancer cells throughout the body.
- Targeted therapy: Uses medicines to attack specific changes in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
Paying for lung cancer treatment can be expensive. There are costs for scans, medicines, doctor visits, hospital stays and sometimes long-term follow-up care. However, a health insurance policy can help you pay for these.
How can I prevent lung cancer?
The best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke. If you already smoke, stopping as soon as possible lowers your risk. Other tips include:
- Avoid being around secondhand smoke
- Wear protective equipment if you work around dangerous dust or fumes
- Eat a balanced diet and stay active to keep your immune system strong
Conclusion
Lung cancer is a serious illness, but early diagnosis and treatment can cure the condition. Older adults are more prone to getting lung cancer. If you are over 60, you may want to look into senior citizen health insurance. These plans are made especially for older people, and they often include cover for cancer treatment, scans and medicines. The policy also covers regular check-ups to catch cancer early.
If you are trying to find the best health insurance, simply fill out the form on this page to receive personalised insurance guidance.
FAQs
1. Can you survive lung cancer?
Yes. If discovered early, lung cancer can be treated successfully. Survival rates vary and depend on the stage and type of lung cancer.
2. Is lung cancer always caused by smoking?
No. Smoking is the main cause, but non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.
3. Can you get lung cancer even if you are young?
It is rare, but possible. Lung cancer is more common in people over 60.
4. Is lung cancer painful?
It can cause pain if tumours press on nerves or bones. Not everyone has pain, especially in the early stages.
5. How long can you live with lung cancer?
It depends on the type, stage and treatment. Some people live many years after treatment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.