The most common cancer is lung cancer with a high mortality rate. Lung cancer is 90 % preventable. The main cause behind lung cancer is smoking which is one of the dangerous habits. Lung cancer cases are ever-increasing day by day due to smoking. Most lung cancers are detected at the advanced stages where reversibility becomes difficult. In India, lung cancer constitutes major cancer-related cases and deaths in both sexes. In a study in 2012, 52.1% of cases of lung cancer were without any smoking reasons and mainly due to environmental pollution. 

At Medicircle, we are doing a lung cancer awareness series and known about the breakthrough treatments to save a life 

Dr. Vikas Kothavade is a Radiation Oncologist in Pune and has experience of11 years in this field. Currently, he is practicing at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra. He has got specialized experience in Intensity to modulate rated radiotherapy and another radiotherapy. He has been working as a chief Oncologist for the last 6 years. He believes in comprehensive cancer care and social cancer awareness. He is a member of the following organization.

European Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology Association of radiation oncologists of India Indian society of neuro-oncology Association of Medical Consultant

Risk factors of lung cancer 

Dr.Vikas Kothavade says, “In India, there are many smokers and tobacco chewers. Now, lung cancer is the leading cancer and cause of cancer. Everyone knows that smoking is the highest risk factor and modifiable risk factor which needs special attention. This means it can prevent cancer. There are 40 types of cancer. Once we stop smoking, our body goes into a reversible stage and this reduces the chances of lung cancer. This is a modifiable risk factor. 8 out of 10 cases of lung cancer are due to smoking. There are 7000 chemicals in cigarettes out of which 70 chemicals make you more prone to cancer. Smoking causes cancer in other parts of the body too. The chemicals that are inhaled in the body will affect the other parts too causing cancer. There are 100% of chemicals in tobacco and smoking cigarettes that can stimulate cancer cells in that area. The uncontrolled growth of cells is called cancer. 

Another cause of lung cancer 

Occupational exposure to chemicals and cement-like asbestos, nickel, chromium  Hereditary cancer constitutes about 5 % of lung cancers  Second-hand smoke i.e passive cancer  Lung affections  Chronic lung problems which are COPD, asthma 

Symptoms of cancer 

Dr. Vikas says, “The symptoms are related to lung infection like - 

Chronic cough  Weight loss  Blood in sputum  Difficulty in breathing  Breathlessness  Change in voice  Hoarse voice  Changes in voice

These symptoms are more related to tuberculosis. Mostly the patients land up in advanced stages in India. We, in India, focus on the infection stage of lung and tuberculosis is predominant. If cancer spreads, it is called metastasis. Consult your doctor immediately if you are having constant weight loss or blood in sputum.”

Treatment and cure for cancer 

Dr. Vikas informs, “Cancer is irreversible. Cancer can be cured at a certain stage. Stages 1 and 2 are curable. As the stage advances, the cure rate reduces, and the recurrence rate increases. Stage 4 is a noncurable stage of cancer. 

Stage 1 - localized to chest and lungs and cancer is smaller in size 

Rx for stage 1 - Surgery is the best choice for first patients or a high dose of radiation can be given to patients in such cases. 

Stage 2 - Requires chemotherapy through tablets and medicines to destroy the cancer cells. After the betterment of the patient, radiation can be done or surgery can be performed

Stage 3- No surgery can be done. Radiation and chemotherapy can be given

Stage4 - Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy is the only choice in case of spread of cancer to other parts. 

The biopsy is done to check the stage of the disease. This can improve the cure rate stage-wise. 

COVID attack and lung cancer 

Dr. Vikas informs, “Covid attack can increase the severity of lung cancer. COVID infection affects the lungs with a reduced oxygen rate. This increases the mortality rate of lung cancer. This increases the chances of death. So,  patients with lung cancer should take care of the COVID and get vaccinated too. The severity of the infection should be taken care of.”

Message from the expert

Dr. Vikas informs, “We should quit smoking and tobacco in any form. Lung cancer is a modified risk factor. Do not neglect the “danger” of cigarette packets. This can harm our bodies. So, quit smoking and save a life. 

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)