World Lung Cancer Day 2022: History, Importance and Unique facts about Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer detected worldwide. Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs proliferate abnormally and create a malignant tumour. Lung cancer accounts for 5.9 percent of all cancers and 8.1 percent of cancer-related deaths in India. More than 2.2 million new cancer cases were reported worldwide in 2020, with roughly 81,200 new cases diagnosed in India.

Lung cancer can be connected to environmental variables such as radon, air pollution, and asbestos exposure, in addition to existing lung illness or cigarette use. The frequency of this illness among nonsmokers is an increasing source of concern for everyone right now.

Due to a lack of population-level screening techniques, lung cancer incidence are expected to increase seven-fold by 2025, according to an ICMR study paper. Treatment for lung cancer is most successful when it is identified early. Screening is checking a person for illness despite the absence of symptoms. Doctors advocate taking a screening test in the early stages of the disease to enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

History of lung cancer

First described by doctors in the early 19th century, lung cancer was an extremely rare disease for a very long time. Some 150 years ago, people had only heard of this disease, and studies showed less than 1% to 2% of the population was afflicted with it. Cut to the next century, and the scenario changed completely. While still rare in the early part of the 20th century, by the end, it became the leading cause of male cancer-related deaths in more than 25 countries.

The day was first observed in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), and the American College of Chest Physicians.

Facts about lung cancer

1. Every person suffering from lung cancer needs sympathy and assistance: Lung cancer patients may encounter societal stigma. But, in reality, there is no space for blame. Every individual diagnosed with lung cancer has the same difficulties as anyone who discovers they have cancer. People with lung cancer need all of the compassion and support that their families, care providers, and the larger cancer community can offer to help them fight this disease.
2. Navigating life with lung cancer demands a community: When dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis, it’s critical to form a support network that includes the oncologist and health care team, as well as family and friends. Connecting with others can bring a sense of support and comfort to sufferers as they navigate the challenges of managing this condition.
3. Lung cancer does not affect only one sort of individual: Lung cancer affects both men and women of all ages. While it is most commonly diagnosed in persons 65 and older, it can affect younger adults as well. In fact, 10% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in adults under the age of 55.
4. There are multiple risk factors for lung cancer, including some outside our control: Smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer, but there are others as well, including having a family history of the disease and exposure to certain environmental substances.

   Environmental risks include:

   • Radon gas
   • Exposure to asbestos, second-hand smoke and other carcinogens in the air, such as arsenic, chromium and nickel

   5. Scientific advances are making an impact in lung cancer: More Americans are surviving lung cancer. Over the past five years, the survival rate has increased from 13% to 22.6%.

Early identification of lung cancer can improve survival chances, but the condition can be deadly. As a result, it is advised to consult a medical specialist for early identification of lung cancer.