If asked which type of cancer causes the most deaths, the top answer would undoubtedly be “lung cancer” for sure, as it is one of the most common cancers found in Thai people and worldwide. The frightening aspect oflung cancer is that even non-smokers can develop this disease. Importantly,lung cancer progresses quite rapidly, and if detected in the late stages, it is difficult to treat or control its spread. Therefore, the earlier it is found, the better.
Types of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is divided into 2 main types as follows:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer): This type accounts for 80% – 85% of all
patients. It can be detected easily, and the disease progresses slower than small cell lung cancer. If detected early, there is a chance of cure. - Small Cell Lung Cancer: This type is less common, accounting for only 10% – 15% of lung cancer cases. However, it spreads rapidly and aggressively, often found in patients with a history of smoking. Treatment requires radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Can non-smokers really get lung cancer?
If asked whynon-smokers still have a chance of getting lung cancer, the answer is that although smoking is the number one risk factor forlung cancer, non-smokers can also develop it due to various factors, such as environment and genetics, especially exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like radon, asbestos, and other heavy chemicals, secondhand smoke from close contacts, genetic abnormalities, and PM2.5 dust, which is also one of the small lung carcinogens.
Smoking is the number one risk factor forlung cancer, but non-smokers can also develop it due to various factors such as environment and genetics, especially exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like radon, asbestos, and other heavy chemicals, secondhand smoke from close contacts, genetic abnormalities, and PM2.5 dust is also one of the small lung carcinogens.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer begins with changes or mutations in cells within the lungs that rapidly spread
forming tumors that destroy tissues and organs inside the lungs and other parts of the body. These arise from various factors, classified into internal and external factors.
Internal Factors Causing Lung Cancer
- Genetics: One cause oflung cancer may be mutations in certain genes related to cancer cell development or a family history oflung cancer
- Individuals with weakened immune systems: such as HIV/AIDS patients or those on immunosuppressive drugs, may have a higher risk
than the general population - Age: Mostly found in people aged 50 and above, with women more likely to develop “adenocarcinoma” lung cancer than men, even if they do not smoke
- Certain lung diseases: Patients with emphysema or tuberculosis may have an increased risk oflung cancer compared to normal
External Factors Causing Lung Cancer
- Smoking: The number one factor causinglung cancer is smoking, as cigarette smoke contains over 70 carcinogens. The longer and more one smokes, the higher the risk
- Secondhand smoke: Even if not a smoker, regular exposure to smoke from others increases the risk oflung cancer
- Air pollution: Exposure to daily pollutants such as vehicle exhaust, factory smoke, or burning fuels
- Radiation therapy: Receiving radiation treatment in the chest area for other cancers is another factor that may increase the risk oflung cancer
- Certain viral infections: such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus) in the lungs, although rare, also pose a risk
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
As mentioned above, this type of cancer may not show clear symptoms in the early stages,
but lung cancer symptoms can be observed from the following signs:
- Persistent dry cough or cough lasting longer than usual, possibly with sputum or streaks of blood
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Paleness and fatigue
- Signs of pneumonia, fever, chest pain
Although somelung cancer symptoms may not prompt patients to see a doctor because they think it is another illness, if the cancer spreads extensively, the chance of cure decreases. Therefore, if you have these symptoms or suspect you are at risk, you should see a doctor and get examined as soon as possible.
Cough Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients
Cough symptoms in lung cancer patients can vary depending on the stage and spread of the cancer. Coughing is often an early sign in lung cancer patients and has specific characteristics, which can be observed as follows:
- The cough sound may change, such as becoming hoarse or deeper
- Coughing up sputum mixed with blood, which requires immediate medical attention
- Dry cough, frequent at night
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks and worsening
What are the early symptoms of lung cancer?
All the symptoms mentioned above can be considered early signs oflung cancer that can be found in patients at risk from both internal and external factors. Even if only 1 or 2 symptoms appear, it is advisable to get a check-up as soon as possible so that if lung cancer is detected, treatment planning can begin promptly.
How many stages of lung cancer are there?
Lung cancer stages can be divided based on the two types of cancer as follows:
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer has 4 stages in total
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- Stage 1: The tumor grows with a diameter of approximately 5 centimeters and has not spread to the lymph nodes
- Stage 2: The tumor size increases beyond 5 centimeters, may spread to the outer pleura and chest wall, and may spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Stage 3: Cancer spreads to adjacent organs and to other lobes of the same lung
- Stage 4: Cancer spreads outside the original chest cavity, invades the pleura, and metastasizes to other organs such as the liver, bones, neck lymph nodes, and brain
- Small Cell Lung Cancer has 2 stages in total
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- Limited-Stage: Cancer is found in one lung and nearby lymph nodes only
- Extensive-Stage: Cancer has spread outside the affected chest area or metastasized from the lungs to other organs
How is lung cancer detected?
Detection can be done through Precision Cancer Medicine, which examines genetic abnormalities and mutations that are key causes of cancer. This helps doctors determine treatment methods and select appropriate medications tailored to individual patients.
CT Low Dose is a screening method for early-stage lung cancer using low-dose radiation computed tomography and 3D imaging, which provides higher resolution than regular X-rays, allowing better detection of early lung cancer abnormalities.
Cancer screening is a detailed examination to find the causes of cancer in various parts of the body, increasing treatment effectiveness and chances of cure, as well as reducing cancer mortality rates.
Can lung cancer be cured?
When asked if lung cancer can be cured, the common and familiar answer is that it cannot be cured if detected in the late stages. However, it depends on many factors including the cancer stage, type, and importantly, the patient’s physical condition. If detected early, doctors can plan treatment using various methods such as thoracoscopic surgery, radiation therapy, and even curative treatments.
Ultimately, regardless of cause or factors, Phyathai 1 Hospital encourages everyone to take care of themselves and those around them to avoid lung cancer risks. Therefore, avoiding risk factors and regular health check-ups are ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer. If you have any symptoms mentioned or know someone at risk, you can come for screening with our expert medical team at the Cheevisuk Cancer Center, Building 1, 3rd Floor, Phyathai 1 Hospital. The earlier the detection, the better, as early-stage lung cancer can be cured. Our medical team is ready to provide full service and treatment for the good health and strong body of everyone.
