World Lung Cancer Day: Is smoking the only cause of lung cancer? 9 myths debunked

Lung cancer is common but often misunderstood. Let’s debunk 9 myths about lung cancer and tell the facts!

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow out of control, causing serious disease that affects breathing and overall lung function. Lung cancer affects more than 2 million people worldwide each year, making it one of the deadliest types of cancer. Despite being common, lung cancer is still plagued by many misconceptions. A common misconception is that smoking is the sole cause of this disease. Although smoking is the main risk factor, lung cancer can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors such as genetics and long-term exposure to pollution. Read on to dispel the myths about lung cancer and better understand this serious and life-threatening disease.

What is lung cancer and its symptoms?

Lung cancer is a cancer that begins in the lungs, where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably to form tumors and affect lung function. It is a serious health problem that can lead to serious injury or death.

Symptoms of lung cancer can include:

• A persistent cough
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Other symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and recurrent respiratory infections. As the disease progresses, symptoms will worsen, causing discomfort and affecting overall health.

What are the myths and facts about lung cancer?

Lung cancer can be fatal if left untreated. Here we debunk the 9 most common misconceptions about lung cancer and reveal the facts.

Myth 1: Only smokers get lung cancer
Fact: One of the most common misconceptions is that lung cancer only affects smokers. Although smoking is the cause of cancer, causing about 85 percent of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-smokers can also develop the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that approximately 10-20% of lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Approximately 7,300 people die from lung cancer each year, whether they are non-smokers or smokers. In addition, factors such as genetics, radon gas and environmental pollution can also increase the risk of cancer.

Myth 2: Lung cancer is a disease of the elderly
Fact: Another misconception is that lung cancer only affects older adults. A study published in Oncology Letters found that most cancers are diagnosed in people over the age of 65, but the disease can also affect younger people. The risk of breast cancer increases with age, but younger people can still be screened, especially if there are other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease or exposure to carcinogens.

Myth 3: Long-term smoking does not prevent lung cancer
Fact: Your body will begin to heal itself immediately after quitting smoking, and your risk of cancer will decrease over time. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins can further reduce the risk. Quitting smoking is the best decision, even for long-term smokers.

Myth 4: There’s no point in quitting if you have lung cancer
Fact: One of the most common misconceptions is that there’s no benefit to quitting smoking once you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer. In fact, quitting at any time can improve lung health and even help improve the condition and slow its progression. So quit right away, even if you’ve been diagnosed!

Myth 5: Inhaling talc increases your risk of lung cancer
Fact: Many people believe that inhaling talc causes cancer. However, there’s no strong link between talc and lung cancer. “The main risk factors for lung cancer are smoking and exposure to carcinogens like asbestos.

Myth 6: Antioxidants prevent lung cancer
Fact: Many people believe that taking antioxidants can prevent or treat lung cancer. However, there is no research to support this conclusion. To improve lung health and reduce your risk of cancer, focus on a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables instead of eating antioxidant-rich foods.

Myth 7: Lung cancer is always fatal
Fact: The belief that lung cancer is always fatal is not true. Some types of cancer can be considered treatable if they are detected before they spread. However, “cured” is not the word doctors use to describe cancer. If you have been in remission or have no signs of disease (NED) for five years or more, you are considered cured. According to Cancer Research UK, 65% of people with stage 1 cancer will survive, while only 5% of people with stage 4 cancer will survive. However, the cost of development increases with advanced treatment.

Myth 8: E-cigarettes are safe
Fact: Many people think e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. However, according to research published in Neurotoxicity Research, e-cigarettes still harm users and may increase the risk of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While they are no less harmful than cigarettes, they are not risk-free and should not be considered a completely safe option.

Myth 9: A family history of breast cancer
Fact: A family history of lung cancer increases your risk, but it does not guarantee that you will get the disease. Genetics play a role, but other factors such as smoking and exposure to carcinogens are also important. Many people with a family history of lung cancer never develop lung cancer, and people with no family history of lung cancer can be diagnosed.

So please stop believing these cancer myths and get the right information about this disease!