Lung Cancer Uncovered: Prevention, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and the Latest Treatment Advances

Cancer is a terrible illness that affects millions around the world. If left untreated, cancer can eventually result in the patient passing away. However, cancer treatment can be incredibly costly, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

In this article, we discuss lung cancer and how one can take steps to ensure the means to the latest treatments available.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when there is unusual cell division and growth processes in the cells located in one’s lungs. The abnormal cells multiply rapidly and grow into a mass or tumour. In Malaysia, potentially 1 in 55 males develop lung cancer. The risk for women is lower, with 1 in 135 females potentially contracting this disease.

Types of lung cancer

There are two types of lung cancer - small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer includes:

• Squamous cell cancer is usually located close to the centre of the lungs. It develops on the flat cells and eventually covers one’s airway surface.

• Large cell carcinoma is so-called due to its appearance under a microscope - large and round.

• Adenocarcinoma is common and starts at the mucous-producing gland cells of one’s airway lining.

 

Small cell lung cancer occurs less often and usually develops in individuals who smoke.

Lung cancer symptoms

Early-stage lung cancer may not present with any noticeable symptoms. However, you’ll want to see a doctor if you’re experiencing the following:

• Persistent coughing

• Coughing up blood

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Chest pains and chest pains that worsen when laughing or coughing

• Persistent shoulder pain

• Voice hoarseness

• Unexplained weight loss over a short period

• Bone pain

• Headaches

• Unexplained weakness

• New onset of wheezing

• Recurring lung infections

• Swelling in the face or neck

 

 

Causes of lung cancer

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are the leading causes of lung cancer. Genes are also a factor, as some individuals are more predisposed to developing this disease. However, some people develop it without any known cause.

Lung cancer risk factors

Some risk factors that may increase one’s chances of developing lung cancer are:

• A family history of lung cancer

• Smoking

• Exposure to

  • Carcinogens

  • Second-hand smoke

  • Radon gas

  • Asbestos

• Had radiation therapy before

 

 

Lung cancer diagnosis

Determination of cancer type and stage will help with the prescription of effective treatment. For example, the oncologist might use one or more of the following methods to diagnose lung cancer.

• Chest X-Ray

• MRI scan

• CT scan

• PET-CT scan

• Bone scan

• Bronchoscopy

• Mediastinoscopy

• Endobronchial ultrasound

• Endobronchial ultrasound

• Endoscopic ultrasounds

• Percutaneous lung biopsy

• Surgical biopsy

• Gene mutation testing

 

 

Lung cancer staging

Cancer stages inform the spread of the cancerous cells from the initial site. Here are the stages of lung cancer.

• Stage 0 lung cancer - There is a very small tumour, but the cancer cells haven’t spread anywhere.

• Stage 1 lung cancer - The disease is still in your lung tissues and has not spread to the lymph nodes.

• Stage 2 lung cancer is still considered an early stage, although the cancerous cells may have affected your lymph nodes close to your lungs.

• Stage 3 lung cancer - Cancer has spread further into the lymph nodes, and the middle chest area may also be affected.

• Stage 4 lung cancer - Cancer has spread to other parts of your body and organs, such as your liver, bones and brain.

 

 

Lung cancer treatment

Cancer treatments depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Some ways lung cancer is treated is via

• Chemotherapy, where cancer cells are destroyed by special drugs that are circulated around the body. Chemo drugs can be taken orally or intravenously.

• Radiation therapy utilises high-energy beams to kill cancer in a specific area.

• Surgery to remove cancerous tissue and tumours.

• Targeted therapy for the effective stop of cancer growth and spread.

 

Often, a combination of methods is used to ensure that the cancer is totally eliminated. For instance, a patient might undergo radiation therapy to shrink a tumour so it is surgically easier to remove.

Lung cancer treatment cost

Cancer treatment costs depend on factors such as the patient’s health, type of lung cancer and even the healthcare centre the patient is receiving treatment. In Malaysia, the average cost of lung cancer treatment is about RM60,000.

However, this is just an average and, thus, can vary significantly on the specific circumstances of individual cases. Besides, this cost might not include other expenses such as medication and follow-up appointments.

Insurance for lung cancer

One way to ensure that you have the financial resources to pay for treatment if you’re diagnosed with lung cancer is to have cancer insurance. For instance, Prudential offers several types of policies, such as PRUMy Medical Plus and PRUCancer X, that ensure you’re covered so that you can focus on your recovery rather than worry about money.

There’s also Prudential’s Precision Medicine cover for cancer that you can opt for, which gives you access to personalised and effective treatment plans.

Lung cancer prevention

While lung cancer can’t be totally prevented, for example, some individuals may have genes that predispose them to this disease; there are lifestyle changes that can reduce its risk. For instance:

• Quitting smoking, even if you’ve smoked for years.

• Avoiding second-hand smoke as it’s just as dangerous as smoking.

• Eating a balanced and healthy diet. Fruit and vegetables contain many nutrients that can help increase your immunity and fight harmful pollutants that cause disease.

• Avoid carcinogens, such as exposure to asbestos, if you’re in the construction line.

• Exercising regularly helps keep the body healthy in general.

• Obtaining regular lung cancer screening if you have a high risk of developing the disease to catch it early.

 

Conclusion

Lung cancer can lead to death, but with treatment, there is a chance for patients to recover and live a full, healthy life. In addition to taking steps to reduce your risk of cancer, having insurance for cancer can help relieve a load of worry as you recover.