Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the world. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, accounting for a significant majority of cases. However, it can also develop in non-smokers due to factors like exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, or certain chemicals. Symptoms often appear late, making early detection challenging.

Lung cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

There are two main types of lung cancer:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all lung cancers. It starts in the cells that line the airways of the lungs.
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common, accounting for about 10% of all lung cancers. It starts in the cells that produce hormones in the lungs.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer: Lung cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Blood in sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs)
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent chest infections

Diagnosis of Lung Cancer: There is no single test that can diagnose lung cancer. Your doctor will likely ask you about your medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam. They may also order one or more of the following tests:

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• PET scan
• Biopsy

Treatment of Lung Cancer: Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

Prevention of Lung Cancer: The best way to prevent lung cancer is to never smoke or quit smoking if you do smoke. You can also reduce your risk of lung cancer by avoiding secondhand smoke, radon gas, and asbestos.