What is cancer?
The body of a multicellular organism is made up of countless small cells. These cells die after a certain period of time. And new cells take their place in place of these old dead cells. Normally, cells divide in a controlled and regular manner and give rise to new cells. However, when these cells continue to grow uncontrollably due to the activation of cancer-promoting oncogenes or the inactivation of cancer-suppressing genes; then a lump or wheel of flesh appears at that place. Which is called a tumor. This tumor can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are known as cancer. That is, when neoplastic or tumor cells have a high rate of aggressiveness, metastasis, and the ability to spread to other parts of the body, it is called a malignant tumor or cancer.
November is observed as Lung Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the increasing incidence of lung cancer worldwide. The lungs are the most damaged due to smoking and polluted air. As a result, breathing problems, lung cancer, etc. are occurring. It is quite difficult to detect it initially. Because the screening method used to detect other cancers is not as effective in lung cancer. Therefore, the affected person has a lung X-ray for some reason, from which lung cancer is suspected later.
Lung cancer can occur in two ways-
1. When lung cancer is limited to the lungs only. It can be said that cough, fever, change in voice, coughing up blood or shortness of breath are some common symptoms of lung cancer, which are limited to the lungs.
More Read: What is a Multi-Vitamin? Benefits and Precautions of Multi-Vitamins | Health Tips
2. Lung cancer does not limit itself to the lungs but spreads from the lungs to other places; for example, if it spreads to the bones, severe pain may be felt. In many cases, lung cancer can also spread to the brain, and the patient may even be unconscious. If it spreads to the liver, it causes abdominal pain or jaundice.
Lung cancer -
When the above things occur in the lungs, it is called lung cancer. The most dangerous condition affecting the respiratory system is lung cancer. There are no accurate statistics on cancer, a deadly disease in our country. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150,000 people are newly diagnosed with cancer in Bangladesh every year. About 91,000 of the affected patients die every year.
The most common types of cancer that people die from are lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, breast, esophagus, pancreas, and cervical cancer. About 16 percent of the total cancer patients diagnosed in Bangladesh are affected by lung cancer. Lung cancer can arise from any cell, including the epithelium of the airways, air sacs, and mucous glands of the lungs. In many cases, cancer is not limited to the lungs but can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs (such as the brain, bones, etc.).
Lung cancer is divided into two types depending on the type of cancer cell, such as small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma. Three types of non-small cell carcinoma can be distinguished: big cell carcinoma (15 percent), adenocarcinoma (30 percent), and squamous cell carcinoma (35 percent). In addition, other types of lung cancer include adenoid cystic carcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, etc., which are mainly rare in nature.
Causes of Lung Cancer -
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in men worldwide, and the second leading cause in women. City dwellers are more likely to get lung cancer than rural dwellers. However, there are valid reasons behind this - black smoke from vehicles and factories, air pollution, and dust are much more common in cities than in rural areas.
Small particles or fibers of inorganic substances such as asbestos, nickel, chromium, and organic substances such as benzene, benzopyrene, etc. can enter the lungs with air and cause lung cancer. Constant abuse of the lungs is responsible for this. About 80 percent of patients with lung cancer are direct or indirect smokers and tobacco users.
More Read: The Top 10 Health Insurance Plans in the U.S.: How to Choose the Best One for You | Health Tips
The risk of developing lung cancer is about 20 times higher than that of non-smokers after smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 40 years. Small cell cancer is seen in most cases among regular smokers. It is more serious than other lung cancers and spreads to other parts of the body relatively quickly.
Again, the risk of cancer in relatives of patients with lung cancer is almost double that of others. From this, it is assumed that there is a hereditary effect in the origin of this cancer. Apart from this, the risk of lung cancer is also increased in diseases such as silicosis, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, etc.
Lung cancer is also significantly caused by unwelcome radiation and radon gas in the air. Some special professions, such as coal miners, building construction workers, petroleum, chemical or rubber factory workers and ship workers, those who work in X-ray departments, those who are given radiation therapy, asbestos factory workers or those who work in a lot of dust and sand - the rate of lung cancer is higher in such people. Along with this, if cancer occurs elsewhere in the body, there is also a risk of rapid spread to the lungs through the blood from that place. Which is called secondary carcinoma of the lung. About 40 percent of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at the very last stage. The reason for this is negligence.
Symptoms of lung cancer -
One of the symptoms of lung cancer is cough. If the cough lasts for more than eight weeks and is accompanied by chest pain, then you should be careful. In two-thirds of patients, cough is seen as the initial symptom of lung cancer. However, there is no such thing as phlegm being produced with the cough. Because a dry cough can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Another sign of lung cancer is coughing up blood. Male smokers are more likely to experience this symptom. In addition, cancer cells obstruct the functioning of the airways. Therefore, shortness of breath can also occur.
In addition, prolonged fever, sudden weight loss of about 5 kg or more without diet or exercise, frequent pneumonia, hoarse or raspy voice for more than two weeks or sudden changes in voice, prolonged fatigue or fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, etc. can also be symptoms of lung cancer.
In addition, there may be pain in various parts of the body, such as the neck, back, chest and arms. Which increases when coughing. About 50 percent of people are diagnosed with lung cancer by diagnosing chest and shoulder pain.
Lung cancer detection: - The first step in the detection of lung cancer is a chest X-ray. Examining sputum under a microscope can potentially reveal the existence of cancer cells. However, a biopsy is the most efficient method of detecting malignancy. where samples are gathered and examined, or where aberrant cells or tissues are noticed. Bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, needle biopsy, and other procedures are examples of common biopsies.
More Read: Is Ozempic the Secret to Effective Weight Loss? | Benefits, Risks, and Results | Weight Loss Tips
Before starting treatment for lung cancer, the stage of the cancer is determined. Treatment is planned considering the type, location and size of the cancer, staging, grading and the patient's physical condition.
What is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer ?
The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke and avoid tobacco use. You should also avoid being near smokers. It is important to reduce the emission of black smoke from factories and cars to an acceptable level. It is also wise to avoid various chemicals such as chromium, cadmium, asbestos, etc. Again, after lung inflammation diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia are cured, cancer can occur in the affected area of the lung.
Therefore, it is necessary to be as careful as possible in this regard. If a person over the age of 50 has been using more than 20 cigarettes a day for more than 30 years; then they should be screened for lung cancer. If the disease is detected at an early stage, the mortality rate can be greatly reduced through treatment. If you carefully follow some rules and regulations, the risk of contracting this terrible disease can be avoided to a large extent. And food plays the biggest role in keeping the lungs healthy.
People whose lung function has decreased due to aging, environmental pollution, and various diseases need to pay extra attention to their diet. According to the American Lung Association report, in this case, healthy fat foods should be eaten instead of carbohydrate foods. Because carbohydrate foods produce more carbon dioxide during digestion and beneficial fat foods produce less carbon dioxide during digestion. As a result, our lungs are healthy.
Water: - To maintain lung health and immunity, drink two to three liters or more of water every day. This keeps the blood circulation in the lungs proper and the mucus thin. As a result, the pollutants and germs inside the body are easily eliminated through sneezing and coughing.
Green Tea: - Green tea is a healthy drink. The high level of antioxidants in green tea reduces lung inflammation and increases its effectiveness. You can drink two cups of green tea every day to keep the lungs healthy.
Fish: - Various types of fish are beneficial for our health. Fish is very effective in boosting immunity. Especially marine fish containing fatty acids greatly increases lung function. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish help fight lung infections. So eat fish regularly.
Raw turmeric: -Turmeric has curcumin and antioxidants that lower inflammation and shield the lungs from the impacts of pollution. Raw turmeric can be chewed every morning. You can consume turmeric and honey together if you don't like eating turmeric by itself.
Garlic and ginger: - The anti-inflammatory properties in it keep the lungs healthy and help remove pollutants from the lungs. These two spices improve blood circulation in the lungs and are useful in reducing the risk of cancer.
Broccoli: - Oxidative and sulforaphane, which are found in broccoli, improve lung function and shield the body against stress-related harm. So make broccoli a part of your everyday diet.
Fruits and vegetables:- Eating various fruits and vegetables will keep your lungs healthy. Fruits and vegetables like currants, apples, grapes, oranges, guava, carrots, beans, cucumbers, kumyos etc. keep your lungs healthy. Also, foods like ripe chilies, olive oil, nuts and seeds, onions, milk and eggs etc. play an effective role in taking care of your lungs.
More Read: How to Lose Weight Fast? Why Is It Important to Lose Weight Safely ? | Weight Loss Tips
