Lung cancer has emerged to be the most common type of cancer that we are witnessing in this day and age, and while the treatment for lung cancer has developed quite a bit over the past years, fresh conditions keep rising at alarming rates throughout the world. According to ICMR’s data, there were 1,03,371 cases of lung cancer present in the country, and what this means is that there has been a 5.2% rise in the numbers when compared to that of 2020. 

The various stakeholders need to spread the word of caution regarding lung cancer among today’s digital generation, and to that end, the widespread reach of the internet certainly helps. In this blog, we will be taking a look at the causes and treatment for lung cancer, exploring lung cancer treatment, and what are some of the essential precautions that we can take to defend ourselves and our loved ones from this disease. So, let’s get started.

What Are the Primary Causes of Lung Cancer in India?

In a country as vast and diverse as India, blaming any single cause of lung cancer isn’t possible. According to oncologists, there are quite a few factors that are responsible for the explosive rise in cases in our country.

1. Smoking

According to several research studies, smoking is one of the main culprits when it comes to lung cancer in individuals. Smoking leads to almost 90% of lung cancer risk in men and 70 to 80% in women. Abstaining from smoking is one of the best ways in which we can defend ourselves from contracting lung cancer in this day and age.

2. Air Pollution

A large portion of the total number of cases that are reported can be said to have been caused by air pollution. Stubble and rubbish burning are known to cause the release of massive amounts of particulate matter into the air, and when combined with the toxic fumes that are released through vehicular smoke, the situation does get quite a bit worse. 

3. A History of Lung Diseases

A history of lung diseases significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Conditions like tuberculosis (TB) can double the risk, as chronic inflammation and lung scarring create a conducive environment for cancerous growth, as shown in studies published in The Lancet Oncology. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are other major contributors. These conditions damage lung tissue over time, raising the likelihood of malignancies. 

4. Past Cancer Treatments

Interestingly, one can catch lung cancer if they had been subjected to earlier cancer therapies as well. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer that we witness in this day and age, and due to the radiotherapy that individuals are subjected to as a cure in that case, the chances of contracting lung cancer increase notably.  Moreover, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Testicular Cancer treatments can boost the chances of lung cancer as well. 

Yes, it is true that defending against each and every cause of lung cancer isn’t really possible due to a wide range of factors, but certain precautions can certainly be exercised, ones that would help lower the chances, at least to a certain extent.

What Is the Treatment for Lung Cancer?

When it comes to lung cancer, the most effective treatment that is available to us today is immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Here, medications are used to restrict and limit the spread of carcinogenic cells, thereby reducing the tumours and threats that are present. 

It must be noted that chemotherapy is a long process that can last several months on end. Consequently, other methods like immunotherapy and targeted therapy have entered the scenario as well, and gradually, they are turning out to be effective as well.

Curing lung cancer is one thing, but there are a number of preventive measures that we can avail of as well, so let us take a look at those.

• Staying away from smoking is one of the very first things that you can do if you want to prevent the onset of lung cancer. This would involve avoiding second-hand smoke as well.

• Radioactive materials can certainly play a role in devastating our lungs, and while this sounds like a niche issue, people who are exposed to such materials on a regular basis must get themselves treated at frequent intervals.

• A healthy diet that is rich in vitamins can help mitigate the threat of lung cancer as well. Pills don’t work well in this aspect, and fresh fruits and vegetables must be considered the best choices. 

• Maintaining a regular exercise schedule can help improve lung function, thus restricting the chances of contracting lung cancer as well.

Final Thoughts

Lung cancer can be caused by a wide variety of factors, but leading a healthy and disciplined lifestyle can help us counter the chances in a number of ways. At Medanta, we are known for providing some of the best treatments for lung cancer anywhere in the country. Get in touch with our experts today to learn more. Let’s fight lung cancer together!

FAQs

1. Is smoking the only cause of lung cancer millennials should worry about?

No. Factors like air pollution, secondhand smoke, family history, and vaping also contribute to lung cancer risks in younger populations.

2. How can millennials actively raise awareness about lung cancer?

Sharing accurate information on social media, participating in awareness campaigns, and encouraging friends and family to adopt healthier lifestyles can make a significant impact.

3. Are there symptoms of lung cancer that millennials should watch for?

Yes. Symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath should not be ignored and warrant medical attention.

4. What are the misconceptions millennials have about lung cancer?

Common myths include thinking lung cancer only affects smokers or older adults and underestimating the risks of vaping or air pollution.

5. Can millennials reduce their risk of lung cancer?

Yes. Avoid smoking, minimize exposure to pollutants, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet to reduce your risk.

Citations

Avancini, A., Sartori, G., Gkountakos, A., Casali, M., Trestini, I., Tregnago, D., Bria, E., Jones, L. W., Milella, M., Lanza, M., & Pilotto, S. (2019). Physical activity and exercise in lung cancer care: Will promises be fulfilled? The Oncologist, 25(3), e555–e569. https://doi.org/10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0463

Herman, M., Liu, Z., Shepherd, F. A., Leighl, N., Liu, G., & Bradbury, P. A. (2021). The effect of prior cancer on non‐small cell lung cancer trial eligibility. Cancer Medicine, 10(14), 4814–4822. https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.4049

Lorigan, P., Radford, J., Howell, A., & Thatcher, N. (2005). Lung cancer after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a systematic review. The Lancet Oncology, 6(10), 773–779. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(05)70387-9

Mathur, P., Sathishkumar, K., Chaturvedi, M., Das, P., & Stephen, S. (2022). Cancer incidence estimates for 2022 & projection for 2025: Result from National Cancer Registry Programme, India. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 156(4), 598. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1821_22

Polański, J., Świątoniowska-Lonc, N., Kołaczyńska, S., & Chabowski, M. (2023). Diet As a Factor Supporting Lung Cancer Treatment—A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 15(6), 1477. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061477

Prochazka, M., Granath, F., Ekbom, A., Shields, P., & Hall, P. (2002). Lung cancer risks in women with previous breast cancer. European Journal of Cancer, 38(11), 1520–1525. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0959-8049(02)00089-8

Punturieri, A., Szabo, E., Croxton, T. L., Shapiro, S. D., & Dubinett, S. M. (2009). Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary Disease: needs and opportunities for Integrated research. JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 101(8), 554–559. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djp023

Quitting smoking improves lung cancer survival. (2021a, September 14). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/lung-cancer-quitting-smoking-improves-survival

Quitting smoking improves lung cancer survival. (2021b, September 14). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/lung-cancer-quitting-smoking-improves-survival

Schabath, M. B., & Cote, M. L. (2019). Cancer progress and priorities: Lung cancer. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 28(10), 1563–1579. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-0221

Sturm, R. (2011). Radioactivity and lung cancer-mathematical models of radionuclide deposition in the human lungs. PubMed. https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2011.04.01

Turner, M. C., Andersen, Z. J., Baccarelli, A., Diver, W. R., Gapstur, S. M., Pope, C. A., Prada, D., Samet, J., Thurston, G., & Cohen, A. (2020). Outdoor air pollution and cancer: An overview of the current evidence and public health recommendations. CA a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 70(6), 460–479. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21632

Walser, T., Cui, X., Yanagawa, J., Lee, J. M., Heinrich, E., Lee, G., Sharma, S., & Dubinett, S. M. (2008). Smoking and lung cancer: the role of inflammation. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, 5(8), 811–815. https://doi.org/10.1513/pats.200809-100th

Zifodya, J. S., & Crothers, K. (2022). Tuberculosis, chronic obstructive lung disease, and lung cancer: the Holey Upper Lobe Trinity? Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 19(4), 540–542. https://doi.org/10.1513/annalsats.202201-009ed