Common Causes of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is caused when there is uncontrolled cell division or tumour formation in the lungs of an affected person. There is large-scale death of healthy lung tissue, and subsequent loss of function. The sneaky part about lung cancer is earlier stages are not symptomatic. It is normally detected in the later stages, when suspicious symptoms like these are observed- wheezing, feeling breathless, a perpetual cough, hemoptysis (coughing blood) or even sounding hoarse.

Common Causes of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

Lung cancer does not happen very randomly. It starts off slowly, due to a combination of factors like exposure to chemicals like asbestos, air pollution, lung disorders like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and smoking. These days though, more than 50% of cancer cases reflect this disturbing trend- it is the non-smokers who are getting affected, due to inhalation of second hand smoke. This includes kids as young as 14 years of age. In fact a well-known Delhi-based pulmonologist pointed out that even children have grey or black deposits on their lungs due to breathing in polluted air, and that having pink looking, healthy lungs has become a rarity.

How COPD Increases the Risk of Lung Cancer

The common denominator for both these conditions remains the same- excessive oxidative stress. Our body produces tonnes of molecules called free radicals which cause ageing and oxidative stress in the long run, but we also have mechanisms in place to combat them. Since COPD and lung cancer are both so similar in many aspects, the risk of getting cancer after having COPD is greatly increased. One commonality for both is smoking. The need for incorporating anti-oxidants into our system becomes so much more important if you understand. Many studies suggest that diet plays a major role in reducing risk.

Secondhand Smoke and Lung Cancer Risk

While smoking by itself is bad- it damages cellular DNA, increases oxidative stress, reduces your immunity and makes breathing hard, inhaling tobacco smoke is also not good. The thing about secondhand smoke is that there are no ‘safe levels’’ of exposure with respect to inhaling it. It also affects children more profoundly than adults- asthma or wheezing, low birth weight, or even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are some worrisome symptoms. Non-smokers, due to continuous exposure are at greater risk for suffering from strokes, heart disease or even reproductive issues.

Preventive Measures for Lung Cancer in COPD Patients

A simple study done showed that not smoking got the risk of getting lung cancer to below 50%. Some preventive measures include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich and drinking plenty of good quality water
• Getting some exercise everyday to keep the heart fit
• Not smoking at all
• Being aware of your surroundings and not exposing yourself to any dangerous pollutant like asbestos, radon, dust, allergens etc.
• Being aware of any family history of cancer and getting checked regularly

Conclusion

Many studies are being conducted to understand why over 80% of individuals having COPD go on to develop lung cancer in the future. But the reasons are not that clear. So, for now, all we can do is be smart about dealing with symptoms in the right way- going for oxygen inhalation, breathing techniques or even a lung transplant if damage is too severe. Getting your vaccinations done is also a great way to reduce risk. Finally, it always makes sense to keep a close watch on symptoms and the degree of severity, and talk to a doctor when in doubt.