Smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases. The risk of developing cancer is related to the age at which smoking began, the amount of cigarettes smoked, and the duration of smoking.
The risk of developing lung cancer in smokers is 20-40 times higher than in those who have never smoked. Harmful effects begin to decrease from the very first days after quitting smoking.
However, even 15-25 years after quitting smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer remains 5-6 times higher than in non-smokers.
BEWARE OF RADON GAS
Although lung cancer is largely associated with the consumption of tobacco products, genetic factors, along with environmental and occupational risk factors, also play a role in the emergence of the disease.
Radon gas, which is a colorless, odorless, and radioactive gas, is the most important risk factor for lung cancer after smoking.
In addition, the risk of lung cancer can increase up to 6 times in those exposed to the mineral asbestos. The probability of the disease occurring is 2 times higher in individuals with a family history of lung cancer.
IF YOU ARE COUGHING...
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are shortness of breath, coughing, lower back/back pain, and weight loss. Symptoms and findings that appear in the early stages of the disease are often not noticed, and symptoms such as coughing, which are frequently seen in smokers, are often ignored. For this reason, the diagnosis of lung cancer can be delayed.
BIOPSY IS ESSENTIAL
A definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy. The biopsy procedure is generally performed by pulmonologists via bronchoscopy or by interventional radiology with the support of computed tomography.
The histological subtype of the cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's general performance status are factors that determine treatment and prognosis. Although there are many histological subtypes of lung cancer, it is generally examined in two groups in clinical practice: small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
While chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy are preferred in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, surgery is the first choice if possible in the treatment of non-small cell cancer. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs are added to this.
For lung cancer awareness, it is very important to be informed about this disease, to be able to notice and take seriously the findings that appear in the early period, and to apply for regular screening programs in the presence of risk factors. However, the most important thing is not to start smoking, and if you have started, to quit as soon as possible.
Put out your cigarette before cancer puts out your life!
News Source: 12punto
