Early detection and prevention initiatives are imperative to combat and increase survival rates of the leading cause of cancer-related deaths – lung cancer.
As the world observes World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, the commemorative event aims to create global awareness of what people can do to protect their health, the promotion of healthy living for those subjected to tobacco usage, be it directly or indirectly, and protect future generations 1 against what is deemed the second most common cancer – lung cancer2.
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“Recording as many as 2.21 million cases in 2020 alone 2, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and while more prevalent in those who smoke, it can occur in those who are non-smokers as well 3,” explains Dr Kgothatso Motumi, Head of Public Policy and Market Access at Roche Pharmaceuticals. “More people succumb to lung cancer each year than those with colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, and it is, therefore, imperative to diagnose lung cancer early to increase survival rates 3.”
Incidentally, the symptoms associated with lung cancer are similar to the day-to-day symptoms experienced by smokers 4, and can often be attributed to other illnesses 5. Accordingly, it’s important to be mindful that there are few signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer 6, and many are only diagnosed once the disease has advanced 7. However, should the symptoms be attributed to cancer, early detection can lead to more effective treatment 5 and a 50% increase in survival 8.
The most common symptoms associated with lung cancer include 5:
A persistent cough that does not subside or gets worse
Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum (spit or phlegm)
Chest pain that grows increasingly painful when breathing deeply, coughing or laughing
Hoarseness of the voice
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Shortness of breath
Constantly feeling tired and weak
Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that won’t go away or keep reoccurring
New onset of wheezing
“It is crucial not to ignore symptoms, irrespective of their severity, and in the case of smokers, in particular, to address any persistent symptoms immediately under the guidance of a medical practitioner,” adds Motumi.
Should the symptoms relate to lung cancer and be left untreated, the cancer has a greater chance of spreading to other parts of the body. These more advanced symptoms have a high possibility of causing bone pain (largely noticeable in the back or hips); nervous system changes including headaches, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg should the cancer spread to the brain; yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) from the spreading of the cancer to the liver; and the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or above the collarbone 5.
Lung cancer is a preventable disease, and while there are several causes of lung cancer including exposure to hazardous chemicals, particle pollution and genetics, tobacco smoking remains responsible for 80% to 90% of lung cancers in men and 70% to 80% in women 9. While the number of new cases of lung cancer is on the decrease – attributed to more people quitting smoking – awareness initiatives focused on the prevention of lung cancer must continue.
“There are several steps to reduce a person’s risk of lung cancer such as avoiding carcinogens 10 – a substance that promotes the formation of cancer cells 11
– however, most notable is not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke 10,” notes Motumi.
The risk of developing lung cancer is subject to the length of time a person has smoked and the number of cigarettes or associated tobacco products they’ve been exposed to. Even for those who have smoked for many years, quitting is the best preventative measure against developing lung cancer 12, reducing the risks of other ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, and improving overall health and quality of life 13.
At Roche Pharmaceuticals, we are committed to improving the outcomes for every person affected by lung cancer and continue to raise awareness of the disease through our Lung Cancer and Me campaign. The campaign brings together the stories of those affected by cancer from a patient, caregiver and doctor’s perspective, and aims to provide messages of hope to those living with the disease, increase awareness of it, and help people recognise the symptoms associated with lung cancer to urge them to seek medical intervention should they require,” concludes Motumi.
Should you be concerned about contracting lung cancer or require further information regarding lung cancer symptoms and prevention, kindly consult your medical practitioner.
