Lung cancer is a disease that involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in either one or both lungs. The abnormal cells do not function like normal lung cells, thereby leading to the formation of tumours. Subsequently, the tumours can disrupt the normal functioning of the lungs. According to WHO, as of 2018, there are almost 2.09 million estimated cases of lung cancer. Furthermore, the WHO estimate suggests that lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths.
Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
The foremost approach for the treatment of lung cancer is the proactive identification of the disease. If you know that you are at risk of cancer at an early stage, then you could proceed with caution and ensure timely treatment. Therefore, awareness regarding the notable risk factors for lung cancer can help you determine whether you are at risk.
Risk factors are anything that could increase the chances of a person getting a specific disease. In the case of lung cancer, you can find environmental, behavioural, and genetic risk factors. Patients can try to change certain environmental and behavioural risk factors while there are some risk factors beyond their influence.
- Smoking is undoubtedly one of the formidable risk factors for lung cancer. Reportedly, almost 80% of deaths due to lung cancer are assumed to be the consequence of smoking. Smoking increases the risk of small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
- Secondhand smoking or passive smoking is also a predominant risk factor for lung cancer. As a matter of fact, passive smoking is responsible for over 7,000 deaths annually due to lung cancer.
- Prolonged exposure to radon, especially indoors, is also a notable risk factor for lung cancer. Radon levels are higher inside homes and other buildings, particularly in the basement.
- Exposure to asbestos in working environments such as in mills, mines, shipyards, textile plants, and places where insulation is implemented is also a risk factor for cancer of lungs.
- Environmental risk factors include chemicals or radioactive ores such as uranium at the workplace or the presence of arsenic in drinking water.
- Other, risk factors which patients cannot change include air pollution, personal history or family history of cancer, and previous radiation therapy for lungs.
Lung cancer treatment in India
The ideal options for lung cancer treatment in India or any other country depend on the type of cancer and the extent to which it has spread. The common types of treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs for restricting the growth and spreading of cancer cells in a particular area.
- Chemotherapy involves the use of special medications for shrinking or killing cancer.
- Radiation therapy involves the use of high-radiation energy rays for killing cancer.
- The most effective option is a surgery that involves an operation in which the doctor cuts out cancer tissue or tumour from the patient’s lungs.
Conclusion
So, if you or any of your loved ones are plagued with cancer of the lungs, then lung cancer surgery in India can be the best alternative for you right now. First of all, the lung cancer surgery cost in India varies between $3500 and $7000 USD, which is comparatively cost-effective to other countries like the US, UK, etc. In addition, the top lung cancer treatment hospitals in India function with modern and highly sophisticated technology which ensure results and positive outcomes. Furthermore, the minimally invasive surgical procedures for lung cancer treatment allow patients to recover faster. Therefore, make the right choice and find hope for a better life with the best cancer treatment hospitals in India.
To know more or speak with our patient care expert about lung cancer treatment in India, drop an email to [email protected] or call/IMO/WhatsApp/Viber on +91- 9769516280.
