Lung cancer (PC) constitutes the most frequent malignant tumor in the world with 2,093,876 new cases reported during 2018, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Due to the fact that this pathology is difficult to detect in its early stages, the five-year relative survival rate for all types of lung cancer in the United States is 23% and this is a more common health issue in adults over 40 years of age.
Since lung cancer affects both smokers and non-smokers, it is even more important to recognize the symptoms to seek appropriate medical attention.
Warning Signs
Common symptoms of lung cancer include: persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss. Although these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, it is important for patients to visit a pulmonologist if they experience any of these. The earlier they are diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.
A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in lung and respiratory problems. Through this specialist, patients can undergo a series of tests and examinations to determine the presence of lung cancer and its stage.
The success of treatment depends on several factors such as the stage of the cancer, the location and the type of tumor. Early detection of lung cancer is a process that involves performing tests and examinations to diagnose the pathology in its early stages.
This is especially important for people who are more likely to develop the disease, such as smokers and ex-smokers of a certain age, as well as people exposed to chemical substances.
According to the WHO, the risk factors are:
- Tobacco: It is the most important risk factor for the development of lung cancer, present in 80-90% of cases. The probability of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and with the duration of the habit; however, passive smokers also show an increased risk.
- Occupational and environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, chloromethyl ether, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nickel, among others, increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Other factors: Lung cancer has been associated with diseases such as sarcoidosis, scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis.
If you suspect you may be at risk for lung cancer, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. At Lung MD, an experienced and highly trained care team is dedicated to providing individualized and personalized treatment to address the patient’s specific needs.
Early detection is key in the fight against lung cancer, which is why Lung MD offers a variety of screenings and diagnostic tests to help detect cancer in its earliest stages. In addition, we are committed to ongoing research and innovation in therapies to offer new treatment options to patients.