Let's succeed in quitting smoking in the new year... The earlier the diagnosis of lung cancer, the higher the survival rate. Smokers, read this.

According to the 2022 National Cancer Registration Statistics announced last month by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Cancer Center, lung cancer was the third most common cancer in the country after thyroid cancer and colon cancer. Lung cancer accounted for 11.5% of all cancer cases.

Lung cancer occurs due to complex factors, but since about 80% of all lung cancer patients are smokers, smoking is known to be directly related to lung cancer.

Recently, a research team from University College London (UCL) in the UK announced a study showing that each cigarette smoked shortens men's life expectancy by 17 minutes, women's by 22 minutes, and on average by 20 minutes.

Secondhand smoke also acts as a risk factor. Exposure to harmful substances such as air pollution and asbestos also influences the development of lung cancer, and genetic factors are considered significant as well. Greater caution is needed for those with a history of smoking or family history.

 

Lung cancer often shows no specific symptoms in the early stages and is frequently not detected on standard chest X-rays. It is known that one in four early lung cancer patients has no symptoms. Because of this, it is common for patients to receive a delayed diagnosis. However, once symptoms appear, the disease may be significantly advanced, and the survival rate also decreases, making early detection and treatment crucial.

The five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients among the six major cancers targeted by the National Cancer Screening Program was 40.6%, which is lower compared to other cancers such as thyroid cancer (100%) and prostate cancer (96.4%). However, when cancer was detected early before it spread beyond the organ, the treatment effectiveness was highest for stomach cancer, followed by breast cancer and lung cancer. This demonstrates that the sooner the cancer is detected and treated, the more effective the treatment tends to be.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include cough, sputum, shortness of breath, weight loss, and chest pain. These symptoms worsen as the lung cancer progresses, and immediate medical attention should be sought when symptoms appear. Regular check-ups are also essential, as many cases are detected through health screenings.

 

The main treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is the most effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer and offers a high chance of cure. Surgical options vary depending on the size, location, type, and stage of the lung cancer, including wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy. In cases of advanced or metastatic lung cancer, chemotherapy is considered first.

Recently, even complex lung cancer surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques such as thoracoscopic and robotic surgery. Because the surgery is performed through small incisions, postoperative pain and complications are reduced.

Professor Jeong Jae-ho of the Department of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital stated, "Lung cancer is a disease that can significantly increase survival rates through minimally invasive surgery, which shows minimal pain and high stability when detected early, making regular check-ups essential." He emphasized, "Especially for those with risk factors such as smoking history and family history, early detection through screening tests like CT scans and active treatment are very important."

 

 

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While searching for information related to lung cancer, surprisingly...

The incidence rate of colon cancer being second is incredible...

Since you are good at colonoscopy, I think it is essential to manage and prevent colon cancer.

And it's lung cancer. The incidence rate of lung cancer is the next highest.
Except for those whose illnesses are caused by job characteristics, almost 100% are smokers.
Including various occupational groups, 80% of the total are smokers.
Cigarettes are lung cancer itself.

 

Why do people say, "Why cut this good thing..."?
You don't realize how painful lung cancer is when you speak about it.
Crying tears of blood is useless.. I can't breathe properly and I'm suffocating.
Each moment feels like pure hell...

 

Please stop. And do not smoke on the street or at home.
Don't cause pain to those around you through secondhand smoke.