Lung Cancer: Not Just A Disease Of Smokers

Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, but it is not the same for all cases. Know about other causes, the symptoms to look out for as well as preventive measures.

Representative Photo | In addition to tobacco smoke, other environmental exposures have also been linked to lung cancer.

Source : Getty Images

By Dr Shasanka Sekhar Das

The second-most often diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the main reason for cancer mortality is lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for people who acquire lung cancer, but it is not the same for all lung cancer cases. There are many cases where people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked a cigarette. Lung cancer can also result from passive smoke exposure. In fact, breathing tobacco smoke even inadvertently raises your risk of acquiring lung cancer. Living with a smoker increases the risk of lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent for non-smokers.

In addition to tobacco smoke, other environmental exposures, such as heavy metals like chromium, nickel, and arsenic, as well as substances found in some workplaces like asbestos, tar, and soot, have also been linked to lung cancer. There is also a link between radon gas and lung cancer, particularly in persons exposed to high quantities of radon, such as uranium miners.

Symptoms To Lookout For

Lung cancer symptoms can change from person to person. Some people have lung-related symptoms. Some persons with metastasised lung cancer (spread to other parts of the body) experience symptoms unique to that area of the body. Some people merely experience generic signs of illness. Most lung cancer patients don't exhibit symptoms until the disease has progressed.

Common symptoms of lung cancer may include:

• Coughing that doesn't stop or grows worse.
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Breathing difficulty
  
  
• Wheezing.
  
  
• Coughing up blood
  
  
• Being perpetually exhausted
  
  
• Loss of weight with no known cause

Ways To Reduce Lung Cancer Risk

The following ways can help you reduce your risk of developing lung cancer:

• Avoid smoking - About 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are related to cigarette smoking. Avoiding smoking altogether, or quitting if you already smoke, is the most crucial thing you can do to prevent lung cancer.
  
  
• Avoid exposure to hazardous substances - To reduce your risk of developing lung cancer, avoid potentially harmful compounds like asbestos, arsenic, nickel, soot, cadmium, silica, and diesel exhaust. You are most likely to be exposed to these pollutants at work. Try to take precautions to protect yourself if these compounds are present at work by using protective gear and minimising your exposure.
  
  
• Avoid passive smoking - Second-hand smoke comes from other persons' cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
  
  
• Eat a balanced diet: According to research, eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet that includes at least five pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables and lots of whole grains daily will lower your chance of developing lung cancer and other cancers and heart disease.
  
  
• Exercise regularly – Research suggests that regular exercise may reduce the risk of lung cancer.

(Dr Shasanka Sekhar Das is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Hospital, Kolkata)

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