Many people are confident that not smoking will definitely prevent lung cancer… but did you know that the causes of lung cancer may not be just smoking alone…. Lung cancer is more commonly found in men than in women, and it is currently believed in the medical field that there are many other causes of lung cancer.
3 Main Causes of Lung Cancer
- Heavy smoking over a long period greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. 80% of lung cancer patients have a history of smoking, and 75% of lung cancer patients are heavy smokers. The criteria for “heavy smoking” include smoking at least 20 cigarettes a day continuously for over 20 years, or at least 10 cigarettes a day continuously for over 30 years.
- Pollution in big cities, toxic air caused by black smoke from vehicle exhausts, toxic fumes from various industrial factories, especially those working in mining industries such as asbestos, nickel, and radioactive substances, have a high risk of developing this disease.
- Scars in the lungs resulting from chronic diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis, which may be a trigger point for cancer.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
In the early stages of the disease, there are no clear symptoms indicating lung cancer, but you should watch for these signs:
- Chronic cough, usually dry and lasting longer than normal, sometimes with sputum or slight blood mixed with sputum.
- Weight loss, loss of appetite, pallor, fatigue.
- Pneumonia, fever, chest pain. These symptoms may not immediately prompt patients to see a doctor for treatment. By the time the disease has progressed significantly, the chances of cure decrease. Therefore, if these symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor immediately for timely treatment.
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Can be done in several ways as follows:
- X-ray imaging
- Examination of sputum coughed up to detect cancer cells
- Bronchoscopy to inspect inside the bronchial tubes
- Needle biopsy through the chest wall or bronchial tissue biopsy for pathological diagnosis
Treatment of Lung Cancer
The doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment for the patient by considering age, physical condition, stage of the disease, type of tissue, and patient acceptance. Treatment methods include:
- Surgery is performed only in cases where it is expected that the cancer can be completely removed and the remaining lung is sufficient.
- Radiation therapy is used for lung cancer patients who cannot undergo surgery, and for those who have had surgery but the cancer was not completely removed or is expected to recur.
- Chemotherapy plays an important role in lung cancer treatment. Currently, multiple drugs are used alternately in cycles (cyclical treatment) because it is more effective than using a single drug. Treatment results are usually better in patients with good physical condition and limited cancer spread. The drugs used depend on the type of cancer.
- Palliative care
Prevention of Lung Cancer
There are many factors that promote lung cancer. Some causes are difficult to prevent, but the most important cause is smoking, which we can prevent. Not smoking or quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of lung cancer and also helps maintain good health, free from diseases caused by smoking. Additionally, it benefits those around you as well.
Phyathai 1 Hospital is committed to quality care for all cancer patients, including lung cancer patients. In cases suspected of lung cancer, patients are referred for diagnosis by respiratory specialists using modern medical technology. After diagnosis confirms lung cancer, the attending physician will present the diagnostic results at the MDT Cancer Committee meeting, which is a multidisciplinary medical team consisting of respiratory specialists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists specializing in drug treatment. Together, they plan personalized treatment for the patient, resulting in better treatment outcomes and minimizing side effects from treatment.
