Lung Cancer is Fatal for Life

Cancer is a disease which refers to an out-of-control growth of cells and ‘lung cancer’ is a disease where abnormal cell growth occurs in one or both lungs. If left untreated the speedy growth can go beyond the lungs which is called ‘metastasis’. Cancers which start in the lung are known as primary lung cancers, they are carcinomas which come from epithelial cells.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer and has been observed to be most fatal disease causing death worldwide. According to the National Cancer Institute more than 226,160 men & women (116,470 men and 109,690 women) died in 2011. It kills more people each year than prostrate, breast, colorectal, liver, kidney, melanoma and pancreatic cancer in sum together. Most common symptoms of lung cancer are shortness of breadth, coughing up of blood and weight loss. This disease was alone responsible for more than 1.3 million deaths worldwide in 2004. 60% of the lung cancers diagnosed in today’s date occur to those who either haven’t smoked at all or those who quit smoking in the past. Lung cancer flares up when a series of mutations lead to an abnormal growth, it can spread from the bronchus (windpipe) or the air sacs in the periphery of the lungs.

There are different types of lung cancers which have preyed on human lives for long. Metastatic lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), mesothelioma, pancoast tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma are they types of lung cancers which have been found to be occurring in people worldwide. Smoking is the most common cause for 87% of the lung cancers. Those who do not engage in even a single physical activity and remain at their desks all day also are at a great risk of catching lung cancer. Unhealthy diet is one reason which cannot be ignored at any cost; excessive binging on junk food and carbohydrate-rich food can lead to obesity which can affect the performance of a human body and gradually become a threat to life. Alcohol intake can lead to increase in chances of having lung cancer, especially in smokers.’ Radon’ is the second most harmful element which can lead to getting lung cancer. It is a colorless and od orless gas which comes from the natural decay of uranium in the soil. It enters homes through cracks, doors, windows, drains & pumps and even in the water which we drink. Asbestos and air pollution lead to catching lung cancer which in turn can raise the risk of catching lung cancer. Radiations and exposure to carcinogens create a huge opening for lung cancer to enter a human body freely. Radiations bring with themselves an elevated risk of catching lung cancer which can be fatal.

The treatment for this disease can be of great help, if given at the right time. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, alternative medicine and metastatic lung cancer treatments are some of the ways in which lung cancer can be cured. Coping up with lung cancer is a lot easier with the help and support of family and friends. This will not only help any patient in healing faster but also help in bonding more with the family members.