Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. These cells can affect breathing and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
Overview
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. These cells can affect breathing and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
The lungs help the body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Cancer can interfere with this normal function.
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How common is lung cancer?
- 4 most common cancer in India:
- Over 81,000 cases and 75, 000 deaths in 2022
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Stages of lung cancer
Around 80% of cases occur in women; 0.5-1% in men
- Stage 0 (in-situ): Cancer is in the top lining of the lung or bronchus. It hasn’t spread to other parts of the lung or outside of the lung.
- Stage I: Cancer hasn’t spread outside the lung.
- Stage II: Cancer is larger than Stage I, has spread to the glands near the lungs called the lymph nodes, or there’s more than one tumour in the same lobe of the lung.
- Stage III: Cancer is larger than Stage II, has spread to nearby lymph nodes or structures or there’s more than one tumor in a different lobe of the same lung.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the other lung, the fluid around the lung, the fluid around the heart or distant organs.
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What is metastatic lung cancer?
Metastatic lung cancer is cancer that starts in one lung but spreads to the other lung or to other organs. Metastatic lung cancer is harder to treat than cancer that hasn’t spread outside of its original location.
What causes lung cancer ?
- Lung cancer is caused by cells that keep dividing even though they shouldn’t due to changes in the DNA of the cells.
- The exact cause of this is still unknown.
- The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown.
- Certain factors listed below can increase the risk of getting lung cancer
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Risk factors
- Smoking
- Being exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke
- Previous exposure to radiation treatment
- Having a close family member affected by lung cancer
Symptoms of lung cancer
- A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue (tiredness)
- Shoulder pain
- Swelling in the face, neck, arms or upper chest
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Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray – a simple scan that shows the lungs
- CT scan – a detailed scan that creates clear pictures inside the body
- PET scan – a scan that helps doctors see active cancer areas in the body
- Biopsy – removing a small piece of tissue to check for cancer cells
- Bronchoscopy – a thin flexible tube with a camera used to look inside the airways and lungs
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Treatment
- Surgery to remove the tumour
- Chemotherapy (anti-cancer medicines)
- Radiotherapy (high-energy rays to kill cancer cells)
- Targeted therapy (medicine that attacks cancer cells specifically)
- Immunotherapy (helps the body fight cancer)
Supportive Care
- Helps manage symptoms like pain, breathing difficulties and treatment-related side effects
Treatment goal
- Remove or destroy the cancerous cells in the lungs and the other parts of the body (if it has spread)
- Prevent/delay the cancer’s return
- Ease any other symptoms like pain, breathlessness, cough, etc.
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What are the side effects of treatment?
- SurgeryShortness of breathChest painCoughTiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Radiation therapy TirednessCough Difficulty swallowing Dry, itchy skin
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry, itchy skin
- Chemotherapy NauseaVomiting Tiredness Mouth sores Hair loss Weakness and tingling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Weakness and tingling
Lifestyle & Prevention
Recommended diet
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Choose whole grains such as oats and brown rice
- Include protein like eggs, fish, beans, and lentils
- Drink enough water
- Eat small meals if appetite is poor
- Limit processed and fried foods
Exercise tips
- Start with short walks
- Do breathing exercises regularly
- Avoid overexertion
- Increase activity slowly as strength improves
- Speak to a doctor before starting intense exercise
Long-term care
- Attend regular check-ups and scans. Bring a friend/family member to appointments if you can
- Plan in advance for any activities and for any help following treatment days
- Stay active with light exercise
- Join any support groups
- Keep emergency numbers handy
Prevention
- Stop smoking
- Avoid second-hand tobacco smoke
- Avoid being exposed to any cancer-causing substances like asbestos (found in roof sheets)
- Exercise
- Consume a healthy diet
When to contact a doctor?
Warning signs
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Blood in cough
- Chest pain that does not improve
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe tiredness
- Repeated chest infections
Myths and Facts
Lung cancer always causes symptoms early on
There are almost never symptoms with early-stage lung cancer. Symptoms usually develop after the tumour has grown or spread to other parts of the body
You can't exercise or be active during lung cancer treatment
Staying active and exercising regularly is VERY important Follow your doctor’s instructions for it
Surgery is the only treatment for lung cancer
Surgery is the main treatment but depending upon the severity of your disease, you can be treated with medicines or radiation or a combination of treatments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does lung cancer spread quickly?
How fast lung cancer spreads depends on the type. Of the main types, small cell lung cancer tends to spread faster than non-small cell lung cancer. By the time lung cancer is found, it may have already started spreading to lymph nodes or other organs.
Does vaping cause lung cancer?
You can inhale a number of substances when you vape (use a device to inhale a mist of nicotine and flavoring), including some that are known to cause cancer. Vaping is too new to know all of its long-term effects, but experts believe that it has the potential to cause lung damage.
Can you get lung cancer if you don’t smoke?
While smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, up to 20% of people diagnosed have never smoked. That’s why it’s important to talk to your provider about any concerning symptoms.
Speak to a cancer care specialist
Get an expert opinion and a personalised treatment plan at Sterling Hospitals.
