What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer originates in the lungs, the two spongy organs in the chest, which are essential to respiratory function. It is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. There are two main types of lung cancer, each with different characteristics and treatment options:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): This is the most prevalent type, accounting for about 85% of cases. NSCLC has several subtypes, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. These types are grouped together because their prognosis and treatments are often similar.
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): Making up about 15% of lung cancers, SCLC spreads more quickly than NSCLC. It is almost always associated with cigarette smoking and is more responsive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Both types of lung cancer can be difficult to detect early because symptoms such as a chronic cough can be attributed to other ailments.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing lung cancer:
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking. Pipe and cigar smoking also increase lung cancer risk, though not as much as cigarette smoking.
- Secondhand smoke: Inhaling smoke from other people's cigarettes, cigars, or pipes can increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Exposure to radon gas: Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. It can seep into homes and buildings and accumulate to dangerous levels, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens: Asbestos fibers, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and other carcinogens found in certain workplaces can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking.
- Family history: People with a family history of lung cancer may have an increased risk themselves, possibly due to shared genetic factors or exposure to similar environmental risk factors.
- Personal history of lung disease: Individuals with a history of certain lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
- Air pollution: Long-term exposure to air pollution, including vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and indoor air pollutants, may increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Radiation therapy: Previous radiation therapy to the chest for other medical conditions can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Dietary factors: Certain dietary factors, such as a diet high in saturated fat or low in fruits and vegetables, may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, though the evidence is not as strong as for other risk factors.
It's important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, not everyone exposed to them will develop the disease, and some individuals without these risk factors may still develop lung cancer.
When lung cancer is detected during Stage I, the five-year survival rate is between 80 and 95%. Annual screenings are recommended for patients between the ages of 55 and 80 who have a history of smoking. By prioritizing regular check-ups and prompt medical attention, the GW Cancer Center Thoracic Oncology team can significantly improve the prognosis and survival of lung cancer.