Lung Cancer

The main cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke (from cigarettes, pipes and cigars), although not everyone who smokes will get lung cancer. Harmful substances in the smoke damage the lung cells. Inhaling secondhand smoke from people smoking nearby can also cause lung cancer in people who do not smoke.

You may also be at risk for lung cancer if you:

• Are older than 40 years. Most people are older than 65 years when diagnosed with lung cancer
• Contact certain substances, such as radon (a radioactive gas), asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel and air pollution
• Have family members who have had lung cancer

Early lung cancer often does not display symptoms. As the cancer grows, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Persistent cough that gets worse
• Hoarse voice
• Breathing trouble, eg. shortness of breath
• Constant chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Feeling very tired all the time
• Frequent lung infections, eg. pneumonia
• Unexplained weight loss

Other health problems can also cause these symptoms but you should consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

There are 4 main types of treatment for lung cancer:

• Chemotherapy to shrink or destroy the cancer
• Radiation therapy (high-energy x-ray) to destroy cancer cells
• Surgery to remove the tumour and affected lymph nodes (glands)
• Targeted therapy to block the growth and spread of cancer cells