By Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi (MBChB, DTH)
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the tissues of the lungs, most commonly linked to cigarette smoking, harmful chemical exposure, or genetic mutations.
When abnormal lung cells begin to grow uncontrollably, they form masses known as bronchogenic carcinomas. These cancerous cells can invade surrounding tissues and eventually spread (metastasize) to other organs such as the brain, liver, bones, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes.
Causes and Risk Factors
- While smoking remains the leading cause, several other factors increase the risk of lung cancer:
- Cigarette smoking-the primary risk factor worldwide
- Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, air pollution, and industrial chemicals
- Genetic predisposition-inherited mutations or family history
- Secondhand smoke-most common among women whose partner’s smoke
- Indoor cooking fumes in poorly ventilated homes
Importantly, lung cancer can develop even in non‑smokers, especially women exposed to indoor pollutants or genetic risks.
Types of Lungs Cancer
1. Non‑Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Accounts for 80-85% of cases.
Includes adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Represents 10-15% of cases.
This type grows and spreads rapidly, often requiring aggressive treatment.
Symptoms
- Early lung cancer may be silent, but as it progresses, symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
Diagnosis:
Doctors use several tools to detect and confirm lung cancer:
- Chest X‑ray
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- PET scan to determine spread
- Bronchoscopy & biopsy to examine tissue samples
Treatment Options
- Surgery
Effective when cancer is detected early and has not metastasized.
- Radiotherapy
Uses high‑energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy
Drug‑based treatment targeting rapidly dividing cells.
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Modern treatments that attack specific cancer genes or boost the immune system.
Prevention
- Avoid smoking
- Reduce exposure to environmental carcinogens
- Participate in screening programs (e.g., routine CT scans for high‑risk individuals)
Survival Outlook
The five‑year survival rate depends heavily on the stage of diagnosis:
- Localized (early stage): 65-67%
- Regional (spread to lymph nodes): 37-40%
- Metastatic (spread beyond lungs): 10-12%
- Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
Male vs Female Differences in Lung Cancer
Historically, lung cancer was significantly more common in men, largely due to higher smoking rates. That gap has closed dramatically.
Current Trends
- Under age 65, lung cancer rates are now slightly higher in women than in men.
- Never‑smokers who develop lung cancer are nearly twice as likely to be women.
- About 20% of lung cancer diagnoses in women occur in people who have never smoked.
Biological Susceptibility
Research suggests that women may be more biologically susceptible to lung cancer than men given the same level of cigarette exposure. For the same number of cigarettes smoked, women have a higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to men.
Why More Women Never‑Smokers?
Several factors may contribute:
- Indoor air pollution: Exposure to cooking fuel emissions, especially from coal or wood stoves in poorly ventilated areas
- Secondhand smoke: Higher cumulative exposure at home
- Genetic predispositions: Certain gene mutations like EGFR are more common in women, especially Asian women, and drive lung cancer in never‑smokers
- Hormonal factors: Estrogen may influence lung cancer development, though research is ongoing
The Takeaway
Lung cancer is not just a “male smoker’s disease” anymore. The fact that female never‑smokers are nearly twice as likely to develop lung cancer is powerful, it breaks stigma and encourages awareness among those who don’t fit the old stereotype.
FLYBY HUB PULL‑QUOTE
“Lung cancer is no longer a silent killer, awareness and early screening are rewriting its story.”
-Dr. Gbenga O. Oyeyemi
