6th Annual World Lung Cancer Day

Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. It accounts for nearly 1 in 5 cancer deaths worldwide, claiming more lives annually than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

The statistics are frightening. Each year 225,000 people will be newly diagnosed with lung cancer, of which, 50,000 of cases will be adults under the age of 40. This is quite contrary to the common misconception that lung cancer might develop after a lifetime of smoking or of prolonged exposure to work with hazardous substances. Furthermore, the 5-year survival rate is a dismal 17%. More than half of lung cancer patients will die within a year of diagnosis.

Several factors which play a role in cancer development have been identified. In addition to tobacco products, industrial products (uranium, radiation, asbestos) air pollution, nutritional deficiencies and long-term respiration of carcinogenic materials are recognised contributing factors.

Smoking as a cause of cancer was first published in 1962. Today, the risk of lung cancer is 24–36 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers, while passive smoking carries a lower risk of 3.5%.

And yet lung cancer is a preventable disease. In the last 10 years, advances in research, diagnosis and treatment breakthroughs have brought new hope to patients. This World Awareness day aims to recognise and celebrate the advances that have been made as well as educate communities on the risk factors and modes of prevention and highlight the need for early treatment.

For articles on lung cancer at Medthority.com click here.