Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs, often associated with smoking but also seen in non-smokers. Symptoms may include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood. As the disease progresses, symptoms might worsen, affecting daily activities.

The primary cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, but other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution. Genetic factors may also play a role.

Treatment options depend on the cancer’s type and stage. Surgery may be performed to remove localised tumours, while radiation therapy targets cancer cells in specific areas. Chemotherapy is often used to treat more advanced stages, sometimes combined with targeted therapy to focus on specific cancer cells. Newer treatments, like immunotherapy, help the immune system recognize and fight cancer. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, making regular screenings crucial for high-risk individuals.

Some primary treatment options include: 

• Surgery: Removes cancerous parts of the lung or the entire lung in localised cases, such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells, often used before or after surgery or in inoperable cases.
• Chemotherapy: Involves drugs that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells; it’s commonly used for advanced lung cancer or in combination with other treatments.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs designed to target specific genetic mutations within cancer cells, often effective in cases with known mutations like EGFR or ALK.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, often used in advanced or recurrent lung cancer.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses heat to destroy small tumors, typically in cases where surgery isn’t an option.

Palliative Care: Supports symptom relief and improves quality of life for advanced cancer cases.