The lungs are the main part of the respiratory system. It works with other organs and tissues to help us breath by providing oxygen to the body through the blood. Lung cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells can form tumors and interfere with the functioning of the lungs.

November of every year is Lung Cancer Awareness Month to support and raise awareness about the disease. According to World Health Organization (WHO), Lung cancer is the second most common type of disease globally. According to Global Cancer Observatory, the Philippines has a total of 19,180 new cases of lung cancer in 2020 and 17,063 total lung cancer-related deaths or 18.4 percent of the total cancer-related deaths in the country during the same year.

Certain factors increase the risk of getting lung cancer. These are smoking cigarettes or tobacco which is by far the leading risk factor, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, other cancer-causing agents in the workplace, arsenic in drinking water, previous radiation therapy to the lungs, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer. It may not cause noticeable symptoms until it has spread to other areas of the body. Common symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that doesn’t go away, coughing up blood, chest pain, hoarseness, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic lung infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

The most common treatments for lung cancer involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The best prevention against lung cancer is quitting smoking, lowering your exposure to hazardous substances at work, and lowering radon exposure.

The National Nutrition Council XII joins the awareness campaign by making use of its social media Facebook page through posting of infographics and sharing health-related posts regarding lung cancer awareness and prevention. Moreover, to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases, including lung cancer, people are advised to be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages, and do not smoke which was stated in the tenth message in the 10 Kumainments of the National Nutrition Council. (NOILaurito/NOIIIFlores/RNPC)

References:

World Health Organization (WHO)

Global Cancer Observatory

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html