Lung cancer is a condition caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue. When we inhale, air enters through the nose through the process of filtering small particles by the nose hairs then goes to the trachea, air from the trachea then enters the lungs through the bronchi and bronchioles and then ends in the alveoli.
The cells that line the bronchial tubes are usually the ones that initiate the development of lung cancer (non-small cell), while small cell lung cancer usually starts from the cells that line the alveoli. Therefore, there are two main types of lung cancer:
Non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type of lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer which is less common, but spreads quickly to other parts of the body through the blood vessels.
Lung cancer is one of the most common and most dangerous types of cancer. Citing Globocan data in 2020, lung cancer is the cancer with the third highest number of new cases in Indonesia with more than 34,000 new cases. But what is more concerning, lung cancer is the type of cancer that claims the highest number of victims in Indonesia with more than 30,000 people dying.
Early detection is the main key in anticipating lung cancer to get the right treatment to increase the success of lung cancer treatment.
What Causes Lung Cancer?
The main cause of lung cancer is smoking, although not all lung cancers are caused by smoking. Inhaling smoke as a secondhand smoker can also cause lung cancer in some people who do not smoke. About 85 percent of lung cancer cases can be linked to smoking.
How to Prevent Lung Cancer?
Prevention of lung cancer is basically done by adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding factors that increase risk. Steps to prevent lung cancer include:
Do not smoke, quit smoking, and avoid cigarette smoke.
Exercise every day.
Use personal protective equipment in risky workplaces.
Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, but avoid excessive consumption of vitamin supplements.
Get yourself checked as an early detection step.