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10 Surprising Facts about Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest and most prevalent cancers that has been a global health concern for several decades. Despite the disease being the most prevalent type of cancer, there are several thongs about the disease that many people don’t know about. It is important to dig into books and research to understand the facts about the disease. You would discover the things you have never imagined such as unexpected risk factors and the latest treatment options to combat the disease. Having valuable insight into the disease is a big step towards defeating that enemy. For example, did you know that nonsmokers can also get infected by lung cancer? Or that the disease has increasingly affected more women than men? There are several facts and discoveries regarding the evolution of the disease over the years. Genetic mutation has been cited to drive the growth of the disease across the world. Delving into facts about lung cancer would help people to be ready and prepared dot deal with this menace. We can also promote awareness and contribute to the whole process of prevention and treatment of lung cancer.

The following are some of the ten surprising facts about lung cancer that you need to know:

1. More Than 90 Percent of Cancer Victims are a Result of Smoking Cigarettes

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The risk of getting cancer is associated with the habit of smoking cigarettes. America has the highest rate of smokers getting infected with cancer. Studies show that the number of cigarettes used daily determines whether someone would contract cancer. Also, those who have smokes cigarettes for longer durations stand a high chance of becoming victims. Therefore one way to prevent cancer is avoiding smoking, or quitting if one is already a smoker.

Also see: Top 15 Facts About Cigarettes

2. Exposure to smoke and air Pollution Could Get you Lung Cancer

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We often associate lung cancer with smoking but even nonsmokers are at risk to get the disease. Even though more than 90 percent of lung cancer patients are smokers, there are other causes of the disease. Some of the causes include exposure to asbestos and diesel fumes, radon gas, and secondhand smoke usually by passive smokers. If you live with a heavy smoker, you are likely t get lung cancer.

3. The Second Most Deadly cause of Lung Cancer is Radon Gas

Radon gas is referred to as a silent killer because of its unseen characteristics. The gas is colorless and has no smell which makes it impossible to detect. The gas occurs naturally in the rocks and soil that are in radioactive areas. Radon also concentrates in building basements and houses have to be tested to determine the amount of the gas. So, if your house has not been tested, take a step and have it tested for this deadly gas that causes lung cancer.

4. There are Three Types of Lung Cancer and Only One is Less Deadly

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You might not know but there are three types of lung cancer: small cell, non-small cell, and lung carcinoid tumor. The first two have very low rates of survival if they are detected in their late stages. However, carcinoid tumor, which occurs rarely, has a high rate of survival at any stage. The reason is that this type of lung cancer spreads slowly and does not spread outside the lungs which makes it easier to be contained. Even if the cancer is detected at four years, the patient can survive.

5. Studies show that the Rate of Lung Cancer is Going Down Globally

Studies have shown that fewer people are getting lung cancer today. The rate can be attributed to the constant global awareness of the causes of lung cancer. Fewer people are smoking today which has helped surprise the number of lung cancer patients in the world. Lung cancer screening, alongside treatments, has contributed to combating the disease.

6. The Elderly have a Higher Risk of Getting Lung Cancer

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Lung cancer is prevalent in the elderly population because more than half of the diagnosed lung cancer patients are aged at least sixty years. Scotland has been used as an example because of the high number of lung cancer patients due to the history of smoking in the country. The disease has led to several deaths in the elderly population.

7. Lung Cancer Has the Lowest Survival Rate after Five Years 

Standing at less than twenty percent five-year survival rate, lung cancer has the lowest rate compared to others. For example, breast cancer has a survival rate of ninety percent, prostate cancer at ninety-eight percent, and colorectal cancer at sixty percent. Ideally, people who are diagnosed with lung cancer die within a year of diagnosis.

Check out: 10 Facts About Breast Cancer

8. There are no Known Physical Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer in early Stages

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One would need to be a regular patient for a CT scan examination, MRI scan or occasionally visit the hospital for sputum cytology to discover whether or not they have lung cancer. The disease does not show any signs and symptoms at early stages. Doctors recommend regular medical checkups including body scans.

9. Currently Lung Cancer is Increasingly Affecting More Women than Men 

Lung cancer was historically linked to the male population because of their habit to smoke heavily and for long periods. However, studies have shown that women are affected by lung cancer more than men today. One cause is the increasing number of women involved in smoking habits. Other causes are attributed to exposure to cancer-causing agents such as asbestos. Women can prevent lung cancer by avoiding smoking.

10. Lung Cancer Can Also Occur in the Young Adult Population 

Although lung cancer majorly affects elderly people and women, it can develop in young adults. These are people who are exposed to the environmental population as well as working in industries that emit diesel gas, asbestos smoke, and other pollutants. Genetic predisposition also plays a role in these people developing cancer.

Knowing these interesting facts about lung cancer helps people understand the disease better. Having the right knowledge helps dispel the myths and misconceptions that are spread about lung cancer. Understanding the causes of lung cancer such as smoking, and knowing those who are more vulnerable to the disease would help in combating the menace. We can encourage people to take proactive measures to lower their risk, promote early identification, and support improvements in treatment choices by educating people about these startling facts. Working together, we can create a world where lung cancer is better understood, treated more successfully, and ultimately prevented.