Did you know that lung cancer is one of the types of cancer that has a very high mortality rate worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths? This disease affects the lungs, the vital organ responsible for inhaling oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from our bodies. Understanding the causes and treatment steps for lung cancer is essential for effective prevention and treatment.
Getting to Know the Causes of Lung Cancer
1. Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of cases. Tobacco contains more than 60 carcinogenic compounds that can damage lung cells and contribute to the development of lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to these substances increases the risk of significant lung tissue damage. The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the length of time smoked.
2. Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry. Exposure to asbestos, especially over the long term, can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma, another type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
3. Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can become trapped inside homes and buildings. Prolonged exposure to radon can damage lung cells and increase the risk of lung cancer.
4. Air Pollution
Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particles from vehicle and industrial fumes, has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer. Air pollution contains carcinogenic substances that can cause damage to lung cells.
5. Genetics
Genetic factors may also play a role in lung cancer risk. A family history of lung cancer can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, even if the individual does not smoke.
6. Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic lung diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and pulmonary fibrosis can increase the risk of lung cancer. Chronic inflammation and damage to lung tissue can lead to cellular changes that can potentially become cancerous.
Lung Cancer Treatment Steps
1. Do Early Detection
Identifying lung cancer at an early stage is key to maximizing treatment outcomes and increasing the chances of a cure. Early detection methods include low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals, such as heavy smokers and former smokers.
2. Operation
If lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, surgery to remove the tumor may be an option. Surgical procedures include lobectomy (removal of one lobe of the lung), pneumonectomy (removal of one lung), and segmentectomy or wedge resection (removal of a small section of the lung).
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment or as an adjunct after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells.
4. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be given orally or through an IV and are often used in combination with other therapies.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment designed to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies that can block tumor growth.
6. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Several types of immunotherapy have shown promise in treating lung cancer, especially in cases that are difficult to treat with conventional methods.
By recognizing that lung cancer is a serious disease, we can maximize efforts to prevent and treat it. Lung cancer is a disease caused by various factors, with smoking being the main cause. However, exposure to asbestos, radon, air pollution, genetics, and chronic lung disease also contribute to the risk of lung cancer. Appropriate treatment steps include early detection, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. With a better understanding of the causes and methods of treatment, we can improve efforts to prevent and treat lung cancer to save more lives.
Article written by dr. Taruli Loura Batubara, Sp.P (Pulmonary and Respiratory Specialist, EMC Cibitung Hospital).