Misconceptions about lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer death in men and women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, there will be 2.21 million new lung cancer cases and 1.8 million lung cancer deaths in 2020.

There are many factors that increase the likelihood of lung cancer such as smoking, secondhand smoke, family history, lung disease, HIV infection, occupational and environmental risk factors such as air pollution, radiation exposure, etc. radiation, diesel emissions.

People with lung cancer often have typical symptoms including a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood. Other less common symptoms include hoarseness, back, chest or shoulder pain, repeated respiratory infections, feeling tired or weak, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, etc.

Although lung cancer is quite common, many people still do not understand this dangerous disease. Among them are common myths that persist for a long time about lung cancer.

Only smokers get lung cancer

Secondhand smoke is the leading cause, implicated in about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. However, non-smokers can also get lung cancer. A person with lung cancer can be caused by inhaling secondhand smoke, exposure to radon, exposure to occupational carcinogens, medical radiation, infection… Therefore, in addition to smoking, cancer Lung cancer also occurs in people who have never smoked.

Lung cancer is always fatal

Being diagnosed with lung cancer does not mean facing a death sentence. Early detection and treatment are beneficial for successful treatment of lung cancer. Low-dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by 14%-20% in high-risk populations.

According to VeryWellHealth, Only 17% of people with lung cancer are diagnosed in the earliest stages, when the disease is treatable. Therefore, when you suspect that you are at high risk, have warning signs of lung cancer, you should talk to your doctor to be screened for lung cancer.

Lung cancer only affects the elderly

Lung cancer is often associated with the elderly, the age at which most lung cancer is diagnosed is about 65-70 years old. About 53% of lung cancer cases in adults are in the 55-74 age group, and 10% of lung cancer cases occur in people under 55 years of age. Only 1.4% of cases occurred in adults under 35 years of age.

Although the majority of people with lung cancer are elderly, children and adolescents are also at high risk for this disease. For people under 40 years of age, the risk of lung cancer increases if they have genetic factors, have a family member with cancer or live in a polluted environment, are often exposed to harmful radiation. unhealthy.

Is e-cigarette smoking safe?

In recent years, the popularity of e-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping is increasing, especially among young people. Many manufacturers advertise that e-cigarettes or vaping have a low risk of lung cancer, but these claims have no scientific basis. In fact, there is growing concern that vaping is just as dangerous, possibly increasing the risk of lung cancer as traditional cigarettes.

Before the facts about lung cancer, experts advise people to be proactive with their health and get screened early if they know they have a high risk of disease. Lung cancer, if detected early, is more likely to be cured.

Mr. Chi (According to VeryWellHealth)