Customer question:
How common is lung cancer? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide and represents a significant public health problem.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, lung cancer was the second most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women in terms of the number of new cases.
Does smoking cause lung cancer?
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Studies show that more than 85% of lung cancer cases in humans are caused by smoking. Smoking causes the formation of carcinogenic substances that enter the lungs through the respiratory tract. These carcinogens can damage cells in the lungs and cause genetic changes that lead to cancer.
Cigarette smoke contains carcinogenic substances benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, polonium-210, cadmium, and various hydrocarbons. These toxic compounds can cause mutations in the genes that control cell growth and division and promote the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
In addition, tobacco smoking also has a cumulative effect on the lungs. Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung tissue damage and increases the chances of developing lung cancer. Passive smoking or exposure to other people's tobacco smoke also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
Is lung cancer genetic?
Lung cancer is a complex and multifactorial disease process in which both genetic and environmental factors play a role. While genetics may play some role in the development of lung cancer, most cases are the result of long-term exposure to harmful substances, especially tobacco. People with a family history of lung cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. If close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters) have lung cancer, the risk of developing this disease may be slightly higher.
Specific genetic mutations can increase susceptibility to developing lung cancer. For example, gene mutations regulating cell growth or DNA repair can increase cancer risk. Polymorphisms of genes that affect the metabolism of carcinogens may influence the risk of developing lung cancer. For example, certain genetic variations in enzymes that metabolize smoking or other carcinogenic substances may increase the risk of developing lung cancer in individuals exposed to these harmful substances.
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