In the world, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the leading cause of mortality related to this disease. Peru is not exempt from these statistics, as approximately 2888 people get lung cancer (seventh cause) and 2595 of them die from this disease (second cause), according to Globocan statistics (per 100,000 inhabitants). On this occasion, Dr. Pedro Cáceres, oncologist at the Ricardo Palma Clinic, provides us with more information on the subject.

Risk factors

There are different risk factors that can increase the chances of suffering from lung cancer; among the most well-known are:

• Smoking. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 80% of deaths related to lung cancer are related to tobacco (active or passive smoker). It is estimated that secondhand smoke causes approximately 7000 deaths per year. Smoking marijuana, like using electronic cigarettes, also increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Environmental factors. Being exposed to toxins that include asbestos, chromium, arsenic, beryllium, etc. (occupational exposure).
• Exposure to radiation. Such as exposure to radon gas, which can be found in homes, radiation therapy to the chest, among others.
• Personal or family history.
• Foods or beta-carotene vitamin supplements. Have a higher risk of lung cancer.
• Age

Symptoms

The symptoms of lung cancer can vary from person to person. Among the most common are:

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Bone pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

On the other hand, repeated pneumonia attacks and swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes in the area between the lungs can also occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a patient with lung cancer initially requires a series of exams including a biopsy, imaging studies, laboratory tests, evaluation by different specialists, which will allow defining the stage, orienting the treatment, and establishing a prognosis.

The treatment of lung cancer has revolutionized in recent years, as it is one of the most investigated pathologies, and the advent of new technologies has allowed to know this disease at the molecular level, so personalized medicine is currently a reality.

Dr. Pedro Cáceres
Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma