Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early detection and appropriate treatment methods can significantly affect the course of the disease. Therefore, it is of great importance to get an overview of lung cancer, understand the risk factors and recognize the symptoms.
What is Lung Cancer?
Akciğer kanseri, akciğerlerde başlayan ve çoğunlukla hücrelerin kontrolsüz bir şekilde bölünmesi ve çoğalmasıyla karakterize olan malign bir tümördür. Bu kanser türü, akciğer dokusunda bulunan hücrelerdeki DNA hasarından kaynaklanır. Akciğer kanseri iki ana tipe ayrılır: Küçük hücreli akciğer kanseri (KHAK) ve küçük hücreli olmayan akciğer kanseri (KHOAK). KHOAK, vakaların yaklaşık %85’ini oluşturur ve adenokarsinom, skuamöz hücreli karsinom ve büyük hücreli karsinom olmak üzere alt türlere ayrılır.
Risk Factors
The most common cause of lung cancer is the use of tobacco products. Smoking is responsible for the vast majority of lung cancer cases, but passive smoking can also increase the risk. Other risk factors include the following:
- Exposure to environmental factors such as asbestos, radon gas and air pollution
- Family history of lung cancer
- Exposure to chemicals in certain workplaces
- History of lung diseases, e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Symptoms
In the early stages of lung cancer, there may be no symptoms, but as the cancer grows or spreads, the following symptoms may occur:
- Persistent cough and hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Bloody sputum or cough
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Recurrent infections or pneumonia
Diagnosis and Treatment
Lung cancer is usually diagnosed with chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and biopsies. After diagnosis, the stage of the cancer is determined and a treatment plan is prepared accordingly.
Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, the patient's general health and personal preferences.
Prevention
The most important step in preventing lung cancer is to avoid tobacco products. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and avoiding environmental risk factors can also help reduce risk.
Lung cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, but early detection is critical. Therefore, it is important for people with risk factors to have regular health checks and to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they notice symptoms.
The Unignorable Danger of Smoking: Lung Cancer Risk
Smoking is a factor that significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and is responsible for the vast majority of lung cancer cases worldwide. Cigarette smoke contains many carcinogens, which damage lung tissue and cause mutations in the DNA of cells. These mutations can cause cells to multiply uncontrollably and develop into tumors. Exposure to tobacco smoke, including passive smoking, can increase the risk of lung cancer, even in non-smokers. Research shows that people who quit smoking have a reduced risk of lung cancer over time compared to those who do not quit. Therefore, quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of lung cancer, with significant health benefits for people of all ages.