Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer originates in the respiratory system's tissues, often starting in the cells lining the air passages. It's the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with distinct types based on cell appearance under a microscope.

Two main types are recognized: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for about 85% of cases and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma subtypes.

Besides smoking, risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and other carcinogens. Genetics also play a role. Surprisingly, air pollution is attributed to about 5% of cases worldwide.

Early lung cancer often goes unnoticed as symptoms can be non-specific. Chronic cough, weight loss, or fatigue are commonly overlooked or mistaken for less serious illnesses, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment has evolved from standard chemotherapy to personalized medicine, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These new approaches focus on specific genetic mutations of cancer cells, improving outcomes and reducing side effects.

Lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals can reduce mortality, but widespread screening remains controversial due to false positives, overdiagnosis, and potential harm from invasive follow-up procedures.

While lung cancer survival rates are generally low, early-stage diagnosis can dramatically improve a 5-year survival rate to as high as 56%. Unfortunately, only 16% of cases are diagnosed at this early stage.