Lung Cancer

Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs begin to grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way and form a tumour. As it grows, it can affect breathing and may spread to other parts of the body. There are two main types, which grow at different speeds and respond differently to treatment, so identifying the type is an important part of planning care.

Lung cancer is among the most common cancers in the world and is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. It mainly affects older adults and is closely linked to smoking, though people who have never smoked can also develop it. Because early symptoms can be subtle, awareness and timely medical advice are especially important.

Common symptoms include a cough that does not go away or gets worse, breathlessness, chest pain, repeated chest infections, and coughing up blood. Some people notice tiredness, unexplained weight loss, or a hoarse voice. These symptoms can have many other causes, but any that last more than a few weeks should be discussed with a doctor.

Most lung cancers are caused by smoking tobacco, including being around others' smoke. Other risk factors include exposure to substances such as radon gas, asbestos, and certain workplace chemicals, as well as air pollution and a family history. Risk rises with age. While not every case can be explained, avoiding tobacco lowers risk substantially.

Diagnosis often starts with a chest X-ray, followed by a CT scan to look more closely at the lungs. Doctors may use a bronchoscopy, where a thin tube examines the airways, or take a biopsy to remove a small tissue sample for testing. Further scans may be done to check whether the cancer has spread, which helps guide the treatment plan.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and your general health. Options include surgery to remove the affected part of the lung, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapies, and immunotherapy, which helps the immune system fight the cancer. These may be used alone or together. A specialist team will recommend the approach best suited to your situation.

The most important step is not to smoke, and stopping smoking at any age lowers risk over time. Avoiding second-hand smoke and reducing exposure to harmful substances also help. In some places, screening with low-dose CT scans is offered to people at higher risk, which can detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment is more likely to succeed.