Overview 

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the world. It affects both smokers and nonsmokers equally, so it is imperative that everyone should take proper precautions to lower their risk. While there is no perfect way to ward off lung cancer, there are a number of tactics you can do to lessen your risk of contracting the disease.

Refrain of taking tobacco from starting is one of the finest ways to reduce your chances of lung cancer and improve overall health. Also, there are other factors that might help in lung cancer prevention. In this blog we will discuss activities you can do to lower your risk of getting lung cancer.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma, is brought on by genetic damage to DNA cells in the airways as a result of factors like smoking cigarettes and inhaling toxic chemicals. Lung tumors can be benign or malignant. Apart from the lungs, it can spread and grow in other nearby places as well. This is called metastasis. 

In earlier stages, lung cancer may not show symptoms but its diagnosis can be done through medical imaging tests and biopsy. During later stages of cancer, a person may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss, etc. Lung treatment in India is done to get rid of cancer and slow down its growth inside the body through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy depending upon the type of lung cancer, where it is located, and how far it’s spread inside the body. If cancer is diagnosed before spreading then chances of cure get increased. The treatment helps in destroying the carcinogenic cells or helps  the immune system to fight against it. 

What Are The Types Of Lung Cancer?

There are various malignancies that affect the lungs, but the two most common types are the ones we commonly refer to as "lung cancer”. Here are the two types: 

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) 

Out of all the lung cancers SCLC is about 10-15%. It is called oat cell cancer.  There are 2 types of SCLC i.e small cell carcinoma and mixed or combined small cell lung cancer. 

Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) 

Out of all the lung cancers NSCLC are about 80-85%. This type of lung cancer is more common than small-cell lung cancer. There are three types of NSCLC:

• Adenocarcinoma :  It is found in the outer region of the lung and initiates in the cell that secrete mucus, line the cavities and body surface, and form glands. 
• Squamous cell carcinoma : It starts in squamous cells which line the inside airway of the lungs. It is located in the center of the lung next to the bronchus also called the main airway.  
• Large cell carcinoma : It appears in any part of the lung and grows & spreads more readily than squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. 

Treatment And Prevention For Lung Cancer

Patients can get Lung Cancer treatment in India by choosing a cancer treatment plan based on numerous factors like stage of cancer, overall health of the patient, type of lung cancer and how much its spread inside the lung or other parts of the body. The diagnosis of Lung cancer is done through various tests like blood tests, check x-ray, and if cancer is detected then more specific imaging tests are done including a biopsy, and CT scan to see where the cancer has spread and plan its treatment accordingly. 

The treatment depends upon the type of cancer patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) get treatment like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While on the other hand the patients with non-small cell lung cancer get treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. 

Chemotherapy refers to the usage of drugs to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy eliminates or kills cancer by using high-energy rays. Targeted therapy stops the spread of cancer and blocks its growth by using drugs. Surgery is of three types: 

1. Lobectomy: one large part of the lung is removed as cancer is in just one section of one lung.
2. pneumonectomy: entire lung is removed as cancer is in the middle of the lung or in entire lung.
3. Segmentectomy: where a small piece of a lung is removed as cancer is small & early staged.

Lung Cancer Treatment Cost In India is far more affordable and cost-friendly as compared to other countries. Furthermore, the patients seeking lung cancer treatment in India have the access to great hospitals that offer state-to-art infrastructure, cost-effective treatment, moderate healthcare packages, premium medical tools, and other accommodations. In addition to that, your treatment can be carried out by the top oncologist in India  who is well-known for their knowledge and expertise.

Helpful:- Immunotherapy in Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer

What Can Be Done To Prevent Lung Cancer?

A number of factors increase the risk of lung cancer out of which many risk factors can be controlled by taking proper precautions and preventing lung cancer. 

• Exercising is very vital to keep yourself healthy and out of risk. A person should keep doing exercise either daily or most days of the week.
• Take a nutritious & healthy diet with a variety of vegetables & fruits. 
• Smoking is very injurious and it causes lung cancer. If a person never smoked, then he/she should never start doing it and should also educate children about the consequences and harmful effects of smoking and in case if someone smokes then that person should quit smoking as soon as possible to reduce the risk of lung cancer. 
• Reduce the excess intake of vitamin pills as they may be harmful and increase the risk of cancer. 
• Do not use Tobacco as its smoke contains approximately 60 or more harmful substances which are termed as carcinogenic.
• Avoid the exposure to some chemicals and substances that are used on a daily basis in the industry which increase the risk of developing lung cancer. 

Helpful:- Lung Cancer Prevention – 8 Tips To Reduce Your Risk

How To Prevent Lung Cancer After Quitting Smoking?  

The chances of prevention from lung cancer increase once a person has decided not to smoke as said ‘better late than never’.

• If you stay at home with a smoker, ask them to quit smoking or that person to go outside to smoke. Try to avoid places like retro bars, clubs, or places where people consume cigarettes openly. 
• Take proper precautions to protect yourself from exposure to harmful chemicals at the workplace.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet with nutritious food and vegetables. Try to avoid fast food, caffeine, and processed food, and add leafy green vegetables, lettuce, broccoli, fresh meat, and citrus fruits to the diet.
• Start engaging yourself in at least 30-45 minutes of exercise daily to aim for a healthy weight and be more physically active. 
• Minimizing the exposure to indoor air pollution by keeping the surroundings clean to prevent allergens or dust. 
• Try doing breathing exercises like pursed lip breathing, and diaphragmatic breathing as it improves lung health. 
• Drink a lot of water as it helps in eliminating the toxic substances of tobacco and cigarettes from the body.

Helpful:- What Are The Effects Of Lung Cancer On The Body?

How To Keep Your Lungs Healthy If You Smoke?  

Smoking is injurious to health and it is one of the major causes of lung disease. Every person’s sensitivity to nicotine is different and changes are caused in the body to a different extent so it is suggested to quit smoking completely. A person can quit it with the help of doctors that suggest medications or nicotine replacement products. People who smoke regularly are more likely to suffer from lung cancer or die earlier than people who do not smoke. A smoker can take the help of a doctor who will suggest medication and other nicotine replacement substances. Even while smoking a person can try to keep the lungs healthy by following other precautions:

• Keeping the body hydrated and intake of adequate amounts of fluids helps in keeping the mucosal lining thin for better functioning of lungs. 
• Regular exercise helps in keeping the body and lungs healthy and in good shape. Try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. 
• Try to protect yourself from air pollutants that affect your Lung’s health. 
• Get regular check-ups done to prevent serious diseases despite feeling completely fit.

While quitting smoking is the best option, still a person can opt for these tricks to prevent disease and maintain the health of the Lungs.