Journalism of Courage
Apart from chronic lung problems,smoking is also a major risk factor for the development of lung cancers. Almost 90 percent of all lung cancer cases globally are associated with smoking. The carcinogens and toxins in cigarette smoke decrease the amount of oxygen reaching the lung tissues. This causes the development of different types of respiratory infections,apart from common conditions like cough and cold. COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a very common complaint of people with chronic smoking habits.
Oncosurgeons have stressed that early detection is the key to cancer treatment on the occasion of Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November. Around 90 percent of lung cancers are NSCLC (Non Small Cell Lung Cancer),which is very aggressive. More than 85 percent report to a doctor in advanced stages. If detected in stage one,the cure rate is 65 percent,while in stage three,it is 20 percent.
According to Dr Shona Nag,oncologist,one-fourth of all people with lung cancer show no symptoms when the cancer is diagnosed. These cancers are usually identified incidentally when a chest X-ray is performed for another reason. The other three-fourth develop some symptoms,which include cough,coughing up blood or rusty-coloured phlegm,fatigue,unexplained weight loss,recurrent respiratory infections,hoarseness,new wheezing,and shortness of breath.
