Lung Cancer - What are the Causes & its Treatment?

Lung cancer, which is a leading cause of death among both men & women, claims more lives every year than breast, ovarian, prostate & colon cancer cases combined together. Individuals indulging in smoking are at great risk of developing lung cancer. Risk of developing lung cancer is found to increase with the number of cigarettes & length of time people spend doing so. Quitting smoking, even after you have indulged in doing so, will significantly reduce chances of an individual developing lung cancer. Majority of lung cancer cases are caused due to smoking, including people who are exposed to secondhand smoke. However cases have also been reported, among people who had never smoked in their lives, nor have they been exposed to secondhand smoke. These are cases where no clear cause of lung cancer has been established. 

Causes of Lung Cancer

It is an accepted fact that smoking causes lung cancer. It damages cells which line the lungs when a person inhales cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is full of carcinogens which are cancer causing substances. This is the primary reason as to why changes almost immediately occur in lung tissue among patients. However, the body may be capable of repairing this damage in the beginning, but repeated exposure will increasingly damage normal cells which are lining the lungs. Moreover, with time repeated damage causes lung cells to act abnormally & eventually develop into lung cancer. 

Options for Lung Cancer Treatment

The patient & the doctor will come together to determine the most suitable cancer treatment plan based upon factors like type & stage of cancer, overall health & preferences of the patient. Treatment options for lung cancer typically include one or more than one procedures, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery & targeted therapy. Lung cancer treatment options in some cases may be a bad idea especially when side-effects of treatments outweigh potential benefits. Doctors may suggest comfort care in such cases for easing symptoms like pain or shortness of breath.

Affordable Lung Cancer Treatments in India

India is an excellent option for international patients seeking affordable lung cancer treatments beyond their homeland. Oncologists & cancer specialty hospitals in India are globally renowned & reputed to be some of the best. Apart from affordable lung cancer treatment cost, lung transplant surgeries in India are of world-class quality & have a proven record of successful outcomes which are at par with the best in the world. Apart from India, other global medical tourism destinations providing quality lung cancer treatments include Germany, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, & South Korea.