As it is known, cancer is a group of diseases that require long-term struggle both financially and spiritually, in addition to the health problems it brings with it. According to 2020 data published by the World Health Organization, 19 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer annually and approximately 10 million people die for this reason. Illness; It affects all people regardless of gender, language, religion or race.

Lung cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the world, can occur for various reasons. Perhaps the most important of these reasons is harmful habits. Lung cancer is caused by tobacco and tobacco products at a high rate. Not only smokers but also passive smoking puts you at risk.

Lung cancer; It is when cells from structurally normal lung tissue proliferate unnecessarily and out of control, forming a mass (tumor) within the lung. The mass formed here first grows in its environment, and in later stages, it spreads to surrounding tissues or to distant areas through circulation (such as liver, bone, brain, etc.) and causes damage.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors;

Use of tobacco and tobacco products: Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. The risk of developing cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of smoking, early age of initiation, deep inhalation of smoke and amount of tar. It is known that cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 chemicals and more than 70 cancer-causing substances. Passive exposure to cigarette smoke also increases the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer can also be seen in people who have never smoked. If you quit smoking, the risk of lung cancer decreases over time and approaches the level of never smokers 10-20 years after quitting.

Air pollution

Exposure to some chemicals such as arsenic and radon gas through breathing

Use of coal, carbon etc.

Long-term chronic lung diseases

Genetic causes

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

It takes several years for the symptoms and complaints caused by lung cancer to develop, and they may not be noticed until the disease reaches an advanced stage.

In patients diagnosed with lung cancer, symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor in the lung, its size, place of spread and degree of spread.

The most common symptoms related to the tumor itself and its spread within the chest are;

• Cough that does not go away or gets worse
• Coughing up blood or bloody phlegm
• chest pain
• Loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue and weight loss
• hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Recurrent or persistent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

How to Make a Diagnosis?

In patients with a lung mass seen on plain chest x-rays, a computed tomography is first performed. It is decided how to reach the audience with the three-dimensional image obtained. A sample is taken from the patient with a needle, either under the guidance of tomography or by reaching the lung with a thin bendable tube, which we call bronchoscopy. If deemed necessary, different imaging tests can also be performed.

Treatment

The treatment of each patient varies, and multiple factors such as the location and stage of the disease, the patient's age and other health problems are effective in the treatment decision. These treatments require a multidisciplinary study; It includes different options such as surgery, targeted treatments, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

We must be able to say "NO" to cigarettes, hookah and all tobacco products and be able to do so. Remember that a tobacco-free life opens the door to a cancer-free life!

Dr. Derlen Ozgec

Chest Diseases Specialist

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