The main culprit for the development of lung cancer is the use of cigarettes, as about 90% of all cases of lung cancer occur in smokers, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years of smoking.
However, lung cancer can also occur in those who have never smoked, especially those who are in frequent contact with cigarette smoke or other chemicals such as radon, arsenic or beryllium, for example, although this risk is much lower than that of smokers.
- Lung cancer is dangerous because it has a high death rate.
- So it is important to invest in prevention.
- Such as avoiding smoking and adopting healthy lifestyles.
- As well as seeking a medical evaluation if symptoms indicate it.
- Coughing and weight loss.
- For example.
- Learn to identify the symptoms of lung cancer.
Factors that appear to increase your risk of developing lung cancer include:
In addition, receiving treatment for other types of cancer can also increase your risk, such as breast cancer, lymphoma, or testicular cancer treated with radiation therapy, for example.
People with these risk factors should see their family doctor or pneumologist regularly to perform lung health assessments and detect any suggestive changes, such as a nodule.
Cigarette smoke is made up of several carcinogens that fill the lungs during smoking, such as tar and benzene, which damage the cells that line the inside of the organ.
When these lesions occur from time to time, the lung may be able to repair itself, but when they occur constantly, as in the case of smokers, the cells cannot repair themselves quickly, causing poor cell multiplication and therefore cancer.
In addition, smoking is associated with the development of several other health problems, such as emphysema, heart attack and memory problems.Discover 10 diseases caused by smoking.
All types of cigarettes increase the risk of developing cancer, not only in the lungs, but also in other places such as the mouth, throat, breasts, and stomach. This is true for both traditional tobacco and other versions, including “light” cigarettes, pipes, cigars, straw or hookah cigarettes, and chewing tobacco, for example.
The best way to protect yourself from lung cancer is to prevent inhalation of substances with carcinogenic potential, so the main recommendation is to avoid smoking cigarettes, however, people working in a type of industry that uses carcinogens, such as those shown above, or those living in highly contaminated areas, should also always wear a protective mask , to avoid breathing these particles.
In addition, exercising regularly and eating a healthy and varied diet, avoiding fried foods, excessive alcoholic beverages and foods high in sugar also helps to reduce the risk of having any type of cancer.Find out what are the main attitudes to live more and better, avoiding cancer.