–Mohali: Lung cancers is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for the highest mortality rates among both men and women. Dr Digambar Behera, Director, Pulmonary Medicine at Fortis Mohali, says both active and passive smokers are at the high-risk of acquiring lung cancer and they should get themselves screened annually.
On the occasion of World Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dr Behera has listed out the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options to prevent lung cancer in a health advisory.
Dr Digambar Behera says, “One of the main causes of lung cancer is tobacco use which can harm the lung tissue and affect the person’s ability to inhale oxygen. Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, which can limit the oxygen intake in the blood, thereby decreasing its delivery to the organs. People above 50 years of age who smoke regularly should get a chest X-ray done every year. Passive smokers are also at risk. People who are exposed to high levels of radiation, arsenic, chromium, nickel, copper, asbestos also have high chances of developing lung cancer. Further, exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, particularly biomass fuel and kerosene, can damage the lungs. Some people also have a genetic predisposition for lung cancer.”
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms include cough, blood in the sputum, chest pain, fever, weakness, fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite and weight loss.
DIAGNOSIS:
Lung cancer can be diagnosed through a lab test, PET/CT scan and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). A bronchoscopy is conducted when a biopsy is done, fine needle aspiration cytology and examination of the lung fluid also confirm the primary site of the cancer. Pathological test helps diagnose the type of cancer and the line of treatment.
TREATMENT:
Lung cancer therapy primarily comprises surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
