pathoscribe

Written by Pahal Agrawal | Art by Lily Ozaeta

Cigarettes, weed, and hookahs. These are terms every adolescent or adult knows, but something they might be unaware of is that 90% of lung cancer patients are or were active or passive smokers. Bronchogenic carcinoma, more commonly known as lung cancer, is a kind of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the lungs. 

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 12.4% of all cancers diagnosed, and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. While it is primarily caused by smoking,  non-smokers can also develop the disease due to factors like air pollution, exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and genetic predisposition. Passive smoking is when a person inhales secondhand smoke or is in the presence of a smoker. “Passive smoking couldn’t be as bad as active, right?” According to Kristeen Cherney, PhD., both active and passive smoking lead to serious health problems. While direct smoking is worse, the two have similar adverse health effects. 

Lung cancer typically manifests in two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). 

The symptoms of lung cancer often include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. Unfortunately, lung cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing the chances of successful treatment. The global five-year survival rate for lung cancer remains low at around 19.4%, although early detection can improve outcomes significantly. 

In terms of treatment, options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer stage, the patient’s overall health, and the tumor’s molecular characteristics.

Furthermore, approximately 16% of women diagnosed with lung cancer today are lifelong non-smokers (compared to about 10% of men with lung cancer). We’re seeing the gender gap narrowing, with many cases of lung cancer in women with no obvious behavioral “reason” for the disease. 

For example, many women respond better to lung cancer treatment than men, highlighting yet another area where gender might have a bearing on lung cancer and related outcomes. 

Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer remains a major public health issue, with an estimated 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths globally in 2020. 

The only conclusive way to bring these statistics down is to spread awareness about smoking, taking action when you witness it happening, and never encouraging it. We as a community need to support the patients and doctors and assist them in every way we can. 

Works Cited: 

Eldridge, Lynne, MD. “What Percentage of Smokers Get Lung Cancer?” Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024, 

http://www.verywellhealth.com/what-percentage-of-smokers-get-lung-cancer-2248868. Kucharczuk, John C. “Women and Lung Cancer: What to Know.” The Philadelphia Tribune, http://www.phillytrib.com/women-and-lung-cancer-what-to-know/article_e0f00fe7-544c-579a a0da-245d479d1545.html. 

“Lung Cancer – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 30 Apr. 2024, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620. “Secondhand Smoke Facts: Worse Than Smoking, Effects, and More.” Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/health/secondhand-smoke-facts.