Lung cancer is the most frequent neoplasia worldwide.
Early detection is essential.
Lung cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in the world. It is estimated that 1,400,000 new cases are detected each year worldwide; 220,000 of them in North America; and 330,000 in the European Union. It accounts for 29 percent of all cancer deaths in men globally, and nine percent in women, with a clear upward trend over the next two decades, mainly among the latter segment of the population.
Out of the total number of patients diagnosed with lung cancer in a year, it is estimated that only between 10 and 20 percent are at an early stage, which can be treated with curative intentions. For this reason, early detection of the tumor is fundamental in order to improve the prognosis and life expectancy of these patients.
Causes
Among the causes of lung cancer, the most frequent is smoking; a condition that is present in 83 percent of patients. The most unfortunate aspect of this relationship is that smoking is potentially preventable. Based on the above, important aspects to be considered by smokers are:
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Age at which smoking began.
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Amount of tobacco consumed.
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Type of tobacco (dark, blond, filtered, unfiltered, etc.).
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How the tobacco is smoked (hit or not).
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Passive smoking also increases the risk of lung cancer.
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From the moment you quit smoking, the risk of the disease decreases.
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Smoking also increases the risk of dying from cerebrovascular causes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
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In addition to tobacco exposure and consumption, there are other predisposing factors that favor the formation of lung cancer, among them:
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Exposure to other chemicals such as diesel, asbestos; among others.
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Inhalation of nitrogen compounds, product of automobile smoke.
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Exposure to toxic gases such as radon gas, the second agent most related to lung cancer; fortunately, its contact with the population is not frequent
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Having previously suffered from lung cancer, since this context increases the probability of developing a second disease; similarly, although to a lesser degree, having suffered from any other type of cancer (bladder, colon, kidney, etc.) increases the possibility of suffering from the disease.
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The states of immunodepression, derived from primary diseases of the organism, or as a secondary effect to the use of certain medications for the control and treatment of systemic diseases.
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The presence of lung cancer in the family history; a fact that in many cases implies the existence of genetic alterations, which can predispose the development of this disease.
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Deficient intake of some vitamins (A, C and E).
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Finally, it is worth mentioning that reducing the consumption of saturated animal fats, alcohol, sugars, and salt, together with a higher intake of fruits and vegetables, reduces the incidence of lung cancer.
