Since its inception in 2012, World Lung Cancer Day has been observed every year on August 1st.  Lung cancer was a rare disease in the early 20th century but its incidence has gradually increased with the increase in the habit of smoking. Now, it has become one of the most common cancers in the world. As per the latest report by the World Health Organization, 2.21 million new cases of lung cancer have been reported. With the COVID pandemic, lung health needs to be given more importance. It is important to quit smoking as lung cancer is a preventable disease. We, at Medicircle, are conducting a series on Lung Cancer Awareness series, through which, we aim to raise awareness about the impact of COVID-19 on the lungs.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Karumanchi is a consultant Radiation Oncologist at Yashoda Hospital. He is one of the best Radiation Oncologists in Hyderabad with expertise in treating all types of cancers. He has been trained at prestigious Institutes in India and abroad. He received training in Thoracic Oncology from Univ. of Michigan, USA, and Precision Oncology from Univ. de Geneve, Switzerland. He specializes in radiotherapy for Head and Neck cancers, Brain tumors, Breast cancer, Lung cancer, Prostate cancer, and Gynecological cancers.

Dr. Pradeep says, “Early detection is the key to success. For lung cancer to get treated, the detection must be done at its earliest. Early-stage lung cancers have good cure rates while advanced stage cancers are difficult to treat.”

Lung cancer – Causes

Dr. Pradeep explains, "First most common cause is smoking. Because of smoking, almost 50% of patients can get lung cancer. Smoking is of two types – Active smoking and passive smoking. As per the statistics, 50% are active smokers and 40% are suffering from passive smoking. Smokers are putting other's life also in danger.

Occupation – People working in industries of mining, radioactive materials, and heavy metals are at higher risk of getting cancer.

Family history – Lung cancer can be hereditary. A person gets more prone to cancer if any of the family members were previously infected with the disease.

Aging – As age advances, the risk of getting cancer also increases. The 55 – 70 age group is more susceptible to this. 

Pollution – Air quality has become very poor. And it is as important as smoking. We need to improve our air quality for better health.”

Dr. Pradeep mentions, "Cases of lung cancer depend on the habits of an individual, their occupation and environment. So, indirectly geography is related. As per race and ethnicity, black people are more sensitive to lung cancers compared to other races. People with the habit of smoking or tobacco and living in polluted environments are more liable to have lung cancers. In urban cities, even girls are getting habituated to smoking. Now the ratio of men: women getting cancer is equal which earlier was 3:1.

Lung cancer – Symptoms

Dr. Pradeep tells, “Cough, difficulty in breathing, blood in cough, pain in the chest, weight loss, hormone production or chemical production shows some specific symptoms like changes in Na level, these are some of the common symptoms of lung cancer.”

Lung cancer – Diagnosis and treatment 

Dr. Pradeep describes, “The symptoms of lung cancer are very much similar to COVID, TB, and other infections. Hence it becomes important to first differentiate between these. There are various tests to diagnose cancer like CT scan, PET scan. CT scan of that particular part can be done. Then to confirm this, biopsy is done. It is done by inserting a needle into the tumor, a small fragment of cells is taken and diagnosed under the microscope. This process can confirm the presence of cancer. If cancer is detected, then further tests are performed to determine the type of cancer. Generally, it is divided into two types – small cell cancers and non-small cell cancers.”

Dr. Pradeep elaborates, “If the patient is diagnosed with cancer, then the stages are determined whether it is locally active or has spread to other parts of the body. By doing a PET CT scan, one can check whether the tumor has spread to other parts or not. Stage I and II are considered as early stages where the tumor is present locally and stages III and IV are said to be advanced stages wherein the tumor spreads to other body parts. Treatments are available as per the stages. The cure rate of early-stage treatment is very good. Doctors can perform surgery and can easily remove the tumor. In case, surgery cannot be done then radiation therapy can be given. For stages II and III, where surgeries cannot be done, chemoradiation is the only option left. Cure rates of stages I and II are very good. From stage III, cure rates start decreasing. In stage IV, generally, chemotherapy is prescribed to the patient.”

COVID in lung cancer patients

Dr. Pradeep voices, “Basically in any type of cancer, the body immunity decreases. Lower body immunity increases the risk of getting COVID infection too. So always follow the pandemic protocols, wear a proper mask, frequent sanitization of hands, and social distancing. Everyone should take the vaccine. If the treatment of cancer has not been initiated, then the patient can take the vaccine and then go with the treatment procedure. If treatment has been started and the patient has undergone recent surgery, then it is advised to take the COVID vaccine after few weeks. With radiation, vaccine can be taken simultaneously. If the patient is undergoing chemotherapy, then he/she should wait for some weeks to take the vaccine. Even after taking the vaccine, we all should follow the pandemic protocol.”

(Edited by Renu Gupta)