Health A to Z

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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most severe and common type of cancer that people face. Around 800,000 people will diagnose with lung cancer in India yearly. Usually, there will be no symptoms or signs in the early stage of cancer, but many may eventually develop symptoms, including:

  • Coughing up blood
  • Persistent cough and breathlessness
  • Abrupt weight loss
  • Unexplained tiredness
  • Pain or ache while breathing

Kindly consider a doctor if you come across these symptoms. 

Lung cancer types

Primary lung cancer begins in the lungs; secondary lung cancer begins in other body parts and spreads to the lungs. The following information is about primary lung cancer. 

There are two main forms of primary lung cancer, they are:

  • Non-small-cell cancer: The most common form of primary lung cancer and accounts for nearly 80% or more cases. There are three types of non-small-cell cancers—carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma.
  • Small-cell lung cancer: Least common form of cancer but usually spreads faster than non-small-cell lung cancer.

The treatments depend on the type of cancer.

Lung cancer symptoms

More common symptoms are:

  • A cough lasts for 2–3 weeks
  • Long-standing cough that gets worsens over time
  • Chest infection
  • Coughing blood
  • Pains or aches while breathing or coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lack of energy or persistent tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abrupt weight loss with no explanation

Less common symptoms are:

  • Appearance change in fingers
  • Difficulty or pain swallowing
  • Wheezing
  • Face and neck swelling
  • Persistent chest or shoulder pain
  • A hoarse voice

Kindly visit a doctor if you come across these symptoms.

Lung cancer symptoms

Lung cancer causes

Following are the primary causes of developing lung cancer

  • Smoking
  • Genes
  • Exposure to radon
  • Occupational pollution exposure

Lung cancer preventions

  • Quitting smoking may help to prevent lung cancer. After ten years of no smoking, the chances of you developing lung cancer falls to half of someone who smokes regularly.
  • A balanced diet with at least five proteins daily can help reduce the risks of lung cancer.
  • Strong evidence suggests that exercising at least 150 minutes a week can lower the risks of developing lung cancer.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022