Getting to Know Lung Cancer

Recently, we were shocked by one of the country's artists who lost his life due to lung cancer. The artist did not feel any symptoms during this time, but after one examination it was discovered that his lung cancer was already at stage 4. So what is lung cancer actually like? ?

Lung cancer is a condition in which cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. This organ functions to distribute oxygen into the blood when inhaling and expel carbon dioxide when exhaling. Lung cancer consists of two types, namely:

• Primary lung cancer is lung cancer that grows and starts in the lungs
• Secondary Lung Cancer is cancer that spreads to the lungs from other areas of the body

The main causes of lung cancer are active and passive smoking and constant exposure to breathing dirty air/pollution. Cigarettes contain cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) which trigger damage to the cells lining the lungs. Cell and tissue changes in the lungs change rapidly in heavy smokers. Initially the body can repair this damage.

However, repeated exposure continues to damage the normal cells lining the lungs. Damage causes abnormal changes in cells, which leads to the development of cancer cells. Apart from smoking, perhaps not many definite causes of cancer have been found.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

A number of factors can increase the risk of lung cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, for example by stopping smoking. Meanwhile, other factors such as family history cannot be controlled. The following are several conditions that are risk factors for cancer:

• Smoke, The risk of cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. Quitting at any age significantly lowers the risk of cancer.
• Exposure to Cigarette Smoke,Not smoking does not mean you are free from the risk of cancer. The risk increases when frequently exposed to cigarette smoke.
• radiation therapy,Radiation therapy to treat other types of cancer can increase your risk of developing cancer

 

 

 

 

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Most cancer symptoms occur in the lungs, but they may also occur in other parts of the body if the abnormal cells have spread. Symptoms are also differentiated based on the severity of the disease. The following are some of the symptoms experienced by sufferers:

• Discomfort or pain in the chest
• Wheezing
• Blood in phlegm
• Hoarseness
• Problems swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Inflammation or blockage in the lungs
• Swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes in the lung area
• Feeling Very Tired
• Respiratory problems.
• Losing weight for no reason (sudden)
• A cough that doesn't go away or gets worse over time

 

Lung Cancer Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent cancer. However, you can reduce the risk by taking the following steps:

1. Stop smoking, if it is difficult to stop, you can ask a medical professional for help with therapy.
2. Avoid Cigarette Smoke, if you live or work with a smoker, stay away from when they burn cigarettes
3. Consume fruit and vegetables, both of which are the best sources of vitamins and nutrients that can reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Exercise, do it regularly, at least 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes a day.

 

Referensi

Mayo Clinic. Diakses pada 2023. Lung cancer.

National Health Service UK. Diakses pada 2023. Lung cancer.

American Cancer Society. Diakses pada 2023. Lung cancer.

Cancer Research UK. Diakses pada 2023. Lung cancer.