Football is Life

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer worldwide. It begins in the lungs — two spongy organs in the chest responsible for bringing in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. While it can affect anyone, certain lifestyle and environmental factors greatly increase the risk.

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that interfere with normal lung function. These cancerous cells can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, making early detection especially important.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types:

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) – The most common form, accounting for about 85% of cases. Subtypes include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) – Less common but more aggressive, spreading faster than NSCLC.

Risk Factors

The single greatest risk factor is smoking, which is responsible for the majority of cases. Other risks include:

• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Prolonged contact with radon gas, asbestos, or other harmful chemicals
• Air pollution
• Family history of lung cancer
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest

Symptoms to Watch For

Early-stage lung cancer may not cause obvious symptoms, but as the disease progresses, signs may include:

• Persistent cough or changes in a chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
• Hoarseness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood

Since these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice if they persist.

Diagnosis

Doctors may use a combination of tests to detect lung cancer, such as:

• Imaging scans (chest X-ray, CT scan)
• Sputum cytology (examining mucus from the lungs)
• Biopsy (removing and testing a sample of tissue)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common approaches include:

• Surgery – Removing the tumor or part of the lung
• Radiation therapy – Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy – Drugs that target and kill cancer cells
• Targeted therapy – Drugs that attack specific genetic mutations in cancer cells
• Immunotherapy – Boosting the immune system to recognize and fight cancer

Prevention and Outlook

While not all cases can be prevented, lifestyle choices greatly impact risk:

• Quit smoking – Even long-term smokers see benefits after quitting.
• Avoid secondhand smoke – Limit exposure wherever possible.
• Test your home for radon – Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Eating well, exercising, and minimizing exposure to toxins helps overall lung health.

Lung cancer remains a serious diagnosis, but advances in treatment and early detection are improving survival rates. Awareness and proactive health checks are powerful tools in fighting this disease.