How much do you know about lung cancer?
Update Date：2024/07/05，
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In Taiwan, it ranks second among cancer-related deaths. In 2022, a total of 10,053 people died from lung cancer, accounting for one-fifth (19.4%) of all cancer deaths.
Lung cancer originates from abnormal changes in normal cells of the bronchial tubes or lung alveoli. Mutated lung cells continue to proliferate and divide uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. These tumors disrupt the normal functioning of lung cells. Additionally, mutated cancer cells may further break away from the original tumor and spread through surrounding tissues or the bloodstream to other parts of the body, leading to metastatic lung cancer.
Generally, people may be influenced by various risk factors for developing lung cancer. Smoking is the most common risk factor associated with lung cancer. Statistics show that smokers have a risk of developing lung cancer that is 10 to 30 times higher than non-smokers. This includes various forms of tobacco use such as cigarette smoking, cigars, and chewing tobacco, which can also lead to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and other areas. The longer the duration of smoking and the greater the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer.
It's worth noting that quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer. Regardless of how many years a person has smoked, quitting smoking lowers their risk. Other risk factors include exposure to air pollution, long-term exposure to heavy metals like chromium, cadmium, arsenic, diesel engine exhaust, or asbestos, chronic lung diseases, a family history of lung cancer, or prolonged exposure to cooking oil fumes.
Lung cancer symptoms often aren't prominent in the early stages, but they can become more noticeable as the tumor grows and spreads. Some common symptoms of lung cancer include:
1. Persistent or worsening cough, especially if it becomes chronic.
2. Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
3. Coughing up blood or blood-streaked sputum.
4. Persistent chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing.
5. Hoarseness.
These symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, and they may also be indicative of other medical conditions. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for lung cancer.
If a tumor is located in the upper part of the lungs, it may also cause pain in the arm, shoulder, or neck, as well as symptoms like drooping eyelids or blurred vision. While these symptoms may not necessarily be caused by lung cancer, it's still advisable for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek professional medical advice and evaluation to determine the underlying cause and seek timely treatment to avoid delaying diagnosis and management of the condition.
In Taiwan, more than half of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at stage IV, with a 5-year survival rate of only about 10%. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, with over 90% survival possible if detected early. Currently, the National Health Insurance Administration provides subsidized low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for early lung cancer detection. This initiative aims to identify cancer at its early stages and promptly initiate appropriate treatment. Eligible individuals include:
1. Men aged 50-74 or women aged 45-74 with a family history of lung cancer.
2. Heavy smokers aged 50-74.
Those who meet these criteria can consult and schedule screenings at participating hospitals in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Administration.
Before diagnosing lung cancer and initiating treatment, it's important to evaluate the individual's age, overall health status, physical condition, and medical history. This helps confirm the tumor's type, molecular markers, extent, and stage, enabling the selection of the most appropriate treatment plan. Currently, there are various treatment modalities available, including:
1. Surgery: Recommended for early-stage lung cancer to remove the tumor.
2. Chemotherapy: Suppresses cancer cell growth or kills cancer cells but may affect normal cells that are actively growing.
3. Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to target and treat lung cancer lesions.
4. Targeted Therapy: Targets specific gene mutations or abnormal protein expressions in lung cancer cells. Common targeted therapies include drugs for mutations in genes like EGFR and ALK, which are covered by national health insurance.
5. Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Cancer cells often suppress immune responses, and immunotherapy helps to restore immune function against them.
The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the tumor's characteristics, stage, and the patient's overall health. Treatment plans are often personalized to optimize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
To maintain good health and reduce the risk of lung cancer, it's important to:
1. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke: Smoking and prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke are major risk factors for lung cancer. Avoiding these can significantly lower your risk.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, and managing stress effectively, all of which contribute to overall health and reduce cancer risk.
3. Regular health check-ups and screenings: Don't skip regular health check-ups and screenings out of fear. It's crucial to detect any potential health issues early. For those at high risk, undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans of the chest can increase the chances of detecting lung cancer early.
Following these steps can help increase the likelihood of early detection and timely treatment, which are crucial in managing and potentially preventing the progression of lung cancer.
Hematology-Oncology Department, Dr. Huang Yi-Hsiang.