As we mark World Lung Cancer Day on August 1st, it's time to clear the air about lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
In India, lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer, accounting for 5.9% of all cancers and 8.1% of all cancer-related deaths.
Why Early Detection Matters
In India, lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it harder to treat and leading to more deaths.
Early detection can be life-saving. Stage I lung cancer is highly curable when detected before it spreads. At this stage, treatments like surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies are most effective.
Shockingly, nearly 80% of lung cancer patients have a history of smoking, highlighting the dangerous role tobacco plays as a primary risk factor. However, it's not just smoking; exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, occupational hazards, and genetic factors also contribute to lung cancer cases.
Preventive Strategies
Quit smoking: Kicking the habit significantly reduces your risk of lung cancer. For non-smokers, avoiding secondhand smoke is just as crucial.
Limit exposure to pollutants: Reduce exposure to harmful pollutants like asbestos, radon, and industrial emissions. Ensure proper ventilation in homes and workplaces.
Follow safety guidelines: If you work with carcinogens, like asbestos or diesel exhaust, use protective gear and follow safety guidelines to reduce risk.
Screening for high-risk individuals: Regular screening through low-dose CT scans can help in early detection, especially for long-term smokers or those with a family history.
Recognize symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood should not be ignored.
Aster RV Hospital's Commitment
Over the past decade, lung cancer survival rates have improved significantly, with the 5-year survival rate increasing to 18%, largely due to targeted therapies and personalized medicine.
Aster RV Hospital is dedicated to fighting lung cancer through comprehensive screening programs, public awareness campaigns, and access to advanced treatments. Our multidisciplinary team works tirelessly to advance lung cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
Together, we aim for a future with lower lung cancer rates and higher survival chances. Let's breathe easy by taking action today!
