Lung Cancer: What is it?

Lung cancer usually begins to form in the mid-fifties or sixties. Smoking is responsible for 80% to 90% of cases of lung cancer.

This cancer is particularly threatening because it can easily spread to the rest of the body than other types of cancer. Indeed, all the blood through the lungs to be oxygenated, and lungs are in close contact with several blood and lymph vessels. Lung cancer is even more alarming that it is often discovered late. It is also the leading cause of cancer death in Canada, both in men than in women.

However, this cancer can be prevented very effectively by quitting smoking or smoking less. Causes :
1. Smoking.
2. Exposure to secondhand smoke.
3. Exposure to carcinogenic particles in the air, such as those arising from asbestos, arsenic, radon or air pollutants (carbon monoxide, ozone, etc.)..

Some facts about smoking and secondhand smoke : In the mid-1960s that the causal link between smoking and lung cancer has been firmly established. In Canada, tobacco control efforts have paid off: in 1965, half of Canadians aged 15 and older smoked, compared to 25% in 1999, and 18% in 20081.42. Due to provincial legislation, Canadians are much less exposed to secondhand smoke in their workplace and in public places.

Smoking is two times more prevalent in Aboriginal populations than in the general Canadian population. With the reduction of smoking, lung cancer has been declining since the mid-1980s among men. However, in women, this cancer has increased steadily since 1980 and only began to stabilize.

There are 2 types of lung cancer. They grow and spread differently in the body. Small lung cancer cells. This is the most dangerous form of lung cancer. About 20% of lung cancers occur in this form. At diagnosis, the risk that the cancer has already dispersed elsewhere in the body is high. It grows quickly and it is often impossible to treat with surgery. It employs more chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Lung cancer non-small cell. This form of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases are detected and treated more easily than small cell cancer. It grows more slowly. This category includes three subgroups: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and undifferentiated large cell carcinoma. There are other forms, much rarer.