World lung cancer day 2025
Ignoring the early signs of lung cancer can be costly! Identify and save lives.
World Lung Cancer Day is celebrated every year on 1 August. Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers in the world and everyone gets scared on hearing its name. The reason behind this is also the myths associated with it, which create fear in the hearts of people. Despite the progress made in medical science in the last several decades, this disease is often detected very late because people ignore its early symptoms.
The theme of World Lung Cancer Day this year is 'Breaking Barriers for Early Detection and Equal Care'. Its purpose is to make people aware, motivate them to get tested on time and assure that they will be able to get treatment no matter where they live. Knowing the early symptoms of lung cancer and understanding the risks can save your life.In such a situation, in this article today we will learn about lung cancer, its early symptoms and the myths spread about it.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably and form a lump (tumor). If not treated on time, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.
The lungs are one of the vital organs of your body that help you breathe and deliver oxygen to your body. When lung cancer occurs, it affects their ability to function properly, making it difficult to breathe and stay healthy.
Lung cancer is mainly of two types.
1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):
This type of lung cancer is seen in most people. It is very common and usually grows slowly.
2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC):
It is very rare, but grows and spreads rapidly.
What are the early symptoms of lung cancer?
When it comes to the symptoms of lung cancer, let us tell you that they can often seem very mild or normal, so people ignore them thinking they are symptoms of some infection or disease. But if these symptoms are not recognized in time, then this cancer becomes serious. If you recognize them in time, then they can help you start treatment early.
If you or someone close to you have these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, do not ignore them thinking they are common cough and cold and contact the doctor immediately.
1. Persistent cough: If you have a persistent cough and it does not get better even after taking medicine, then definitely go to the doctor.
2. Bloody cough: If there is blood in the sputum or mucus along with a normal cough, then this can be a symptom of lung cancer.
3. Difficulty in breathing: If you get breathless after doing a little work, then this can point to lung cancer.
4. Chest pain: If you have chest pain while coughing or taking a deep breath, then you should pay attention.
5. Heaviness in voice: If you suddenly feel heaviness or change in your voice without any problem, then you may have lung cancer.
6. Constant fatigue and weakness: Feeling very tired or lacking energy without any reason is also a symptom of this cancer.
7. Weight loss without reason: If you are doing something to lose weight, then your weight loss can be normal. But if you suddenly start losing weight without diet or exercise, then be cautious and definitely visit a doctor.
Why is awareness about lung cancer important?
1 in every 5 deaths due to cancer worldwide is due to lung cancer. Every year more than 2 million new cases are reported.
Although smoking (cigarette smoking) is the cause of most of its cases (about 85%), but now this disease is increasing even in those people who do not smoke. The reason for this is air pollution, second hand smoke, radon gas.
8 myths about lung cancer:
Many people make wrong assumptions about lung cancer and get scared.
1. Myth: Only smokers get lung cancer.
Fact: Non-smokers can also get lung cancer due to air pollution, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas or genetic reasons.
2. Myth: Lung cancer is always fatal.
Fact: If detected on time, the right treatment and treatments like immunotherapy can help many patients recover.
3. Myth: It affects only older people.
Fact: This is absolutely wrong. Lung cancer does not only affect older people. Young people can also get lung cancer.
4. Myth: No symptoms mean no cancer.
Fact: Lung cancer often has no symptoms in the beginning. People who are at high risk of lung cancer should get tested regularly.
5. Myth: Quitting smoking eliminates all risk.
Fact: Quitting reduces the risk, but people who used to smoke still have a higher risk than those who don’t smoke.
6. Myth: It only affects the lungs.
Fact: Lung cancer can spread to the brain, bones and liver.
7. Myth: Pollution and radon are not dangerous.
Fact: Long-term exposure to pollution or radon can also cause lung cancer.
8. Myth: Alternative treatment can completely cure cancer.
Fact: Only a doctor's treatment is effective for cancer. Alternative treatments can help, but they cannot replace proper treatment.
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