Lung cancer is one of the deadliest diseases worldwideand in Peru it is no exception. According to the Ministry of Health (Minsa), more than 2,900 new cases of lung cancer are registered in the country each year. Furthermore, epidemiological data indicate an approximate incidence of 4 cases per 100 thousand people in Peruvian territory. Although a large part of these cases is attributed to tobacco consumption, there is an alarming reality: thousands of people develop this neoplasia without ever having smoked. This fact complicates the prevention strategy focused exclusively on cigarettes, and requires a broader approach.
On the other hand, data from the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) indicate that only 20% of cases are diagnosed in early stages. All of this shows that prevention and early detection must take on greater importance because this disease does not exclusively affect smokers, and is often detected when it is too late.
Lung cancer is known as silent killer because in its early stages it rarely causes symptoms. However, there are red flags that should be taken seriously:
- persistent cough with or without the presence of blood.
- Pain or pressure in the chest.
- Difficulty or whistles when breathing.
- Fatigue constant.
- weight loss without apparent cause.
If you have any of these symptoms, the recommendation is to go to a specialist. An early diagnosis can mean the difference between effective treatment and an advanced case.. On the other hand, although it is not possible to modify genetics, measures can be taken to reduce the risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- Avoid tobacco smoke, both active and passive.
- Analyze radon levels in the home.
- Protect yourself at work if you are exposed to chemicals or dust.
- Reduce exposure to environmental pollution.
- Consult your doctor if there is a family history.
These practices, along with periodic checkups, are essential to detect any anomaly early.
Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of death from neoplasia in the worldaccording to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although Smoking is still responsible for approximately 85% of cases, There is an increasingly visible percentage of people who develop the disease without having tried a cigarette. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that Up to 25% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokersa figure that forces us to banish the mistaken idea that this neoplasia only affects those who consume tobacco.
This panorama shows that we are all, to a greater or lesser extent, exposed to factors that can increase risk. Environmental pollution, secondhand smoke, radon present in some homes and certain genetic mutations contribute to its appearance. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms through which the disease develops is crucial to improve prevention.
Dr. Yan Carlos Vargas Caycho, radiation oncologist and director of Oncodrip, explains that there are different types of lung cancer and that some of them appear more frequently in non-smokers. Among them stands out the adenocarcinomaa type that “originates in the cells that line the alveoli and usually grows slowly,” explains Dr. Vargas. It is, furthermore, one of the most common in patients without a history of smoking.
The specialist also points out that “it is followed by squamous cell carcinomawhich affects the central respiratory tract, and small cell lung cancera less common, but very aggressive neoplasm.” Lung cancer tumors usually appear in peripheral regions of the lung and, due to their slow growth, can go unnoticed in early medical evaluations. The lack of visible signs in early stages makes early detection particularly complex.
In addition to the best-known symptoms, lung cancer can manifest itself in other ways that often go unnoticed. Some people present recurrent respiratory infectionsas bronchitis or pneumoniawhich improve and return frequently. They may also appear persistent hoarseness, bone pain from metastases, swelling in the face or neck due to compression of blood vessels, and difficulty swallowing. Other signs include changes in the way you breathe, such as feeling short of breath when doing light activitieswave sudden appearance of clubbing fingers (digital clubbing or clubbing). Recognizing these symptoms allows you to seek early care.
Lung cancer detection combines clinical evaluation, imaging tests and specialized studies. Everything usually starts with a chest x-raywhich may show masses or abnormalities. If greater precision is needed, a computed tomography (CT) scancapable of identifying small nodules and their exact location. When a suspicious lesion appears, the next step is to obtain a sample by biopsywhether by bronchoscopy, CT-guided needle puncture or minimally invasive surgery. Additionally, tests such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) can be used to evaluate the extent of the tumor and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Lung cancer treatment depends on the type of tumor (non-small cell or small cell) and its stage. In general, it may include surgery to remove the tumor when located, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells throughout the body and radiotherapy to reduce or eliminate specific injuries. In advanced stages, ttargeted therapies that act on specific mutations and immunotherapywhich helps the immune system attack cancer. Many times several approaches are combined to improve results. The medical team evaluates each case to design a personalized and progressive treatment.
