What is lung cancer?

Overview of lung cancer

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Lung cancer is a type of cancer that develops from abnormal cells in the lungs. Lung cancer can develop from cells in different parts of the lung, such as epithelial cells, connective cells, prostate cells, and prostatic cells. There are two main types of lung cancer: small lung cancer (also known as small cell lung cancer) and non-small cell lung cancer (which includes epithelial cell lung cancer and prostate cell lung cancer). ).

Lung cancer often develops due to the impact of cancer-causing factors, mainly smoking and exposure to other cancer-causing chemicals such as asbestos, radon, smoke pollution and some other carcinogens. Symptoms of lung cancer may include a dry cough with or without blood, shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, and other symptoms.

Lung cancer treatment depends on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s general health status , and personal choices. Treatments may include surgery, X-rays, and chemotherapy. Some patients may also receive targeted therapies such as pharmaceutical targeting and immunotherapy. Most importantly, early detection and timely treatment help increase the chance of survival and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Causes of lung cancer

The main cause of lung cancer is mainly related to cancer-causing factors and environmental agents that can damage lung cells. Here are some common causes of lung cancer:

1. Smoking: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Cigarettes contain many carcinogens such as nicotine, benzene, formaldehyde and other substances that, when inhaled into the lungs, can cause damage and genetic changes in lung cells.
2. Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals: Exposure to other carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, chemicals in air pollution fumes and industrial additives can increase the risk of lung cancer.
3. Genetics : Some people with family genetic factors are more likely to develop lung cancer. Changes in genes can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
4. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke : Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, which is the inhalation of cigarette smoke from other people, can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
5. Chronic lung disease: Some chronic lung diseases such as chronic pneumonia and chronic obstructive disease ( COPD ) can increase the risk of lung cancer.
6. Other factors: Other factors include age (risk increases with age), family history of lung cancer, history of treatment with radiation therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, and a weak immune system .

However, most importantly, smoking and exposure to carcinogens are the main causes of lung cancer. Avoiding smoking and exposure to cancer-causing agents can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Signs of lung cancer

Below are some common signs and symptoms in cases of lung cancer:

1. Prolonged cough: One of the notable signs of lung cancer is a persistent cough that does not subside after a long time. Cough may be accompanied by phlegm, which can be bloody or dark brown.
2. Difficulty breathing: Feeling short of breath, labored breathing, or gasping for breath can also be a symptom of lung cancer. This can happen because cancer cells grow in the lungs, limiting the space for the lungs to function.
3. Chest pain: Chest pain or a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the chest area can also be a sign of lung cancer. Pain may spread to the shoulders, back or neck.
4. Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue, loss of energy and feeling weak can also occur in lung cancer. This is a result of the effects of the disease and the body trying to fight against it.
5. Unexplained weight loss: A significant weight loss for no apparent reason, even when eating normally, can be a sign of lung cancer or other cancers.
6. Change in voice or hoarseness: A change in voice, a hoarse sound, can occur when cancer cells affect the vocal cords or cervical lymph nodes.
7. Coughing causes discomfort in the chest: Some people feel uncomfortable, stuffy or feel like there is an obstruction in the chest when coughing.
8. Repeated respiratory infections : If you frequently have respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or tonsillitis, this could be a sign of lung cancer.

These symptoms can appear in different stages of lung cancer and may also appear in other diseases. If you have any suspicious or worrying symptoms, you should consult your doctor for an accurate examination and diagnosis.

Foods that are good for lung cancer

A healthy and balanced diet can support treatment and improve quality of life for lung cancer patients. Here are some beneficial foods you can include in your daily diet:

1. Green vegetables and fruits : Green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach and fruits such as pineapple, kiwi, orange, and tangerine contain many vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. They help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and provide anti-cancer properties.
2. Antioxidant-rich foods: Should include antioxidant-rich foods such as pineapple, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and other seeds. They help protect cells from free radical damage and support the fight against cancer.
3. Nuts and seeds are high in oils : Nuts are high in healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which are anti-inflammatory and protect cells from damage. Chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts are good choices.
4. Fish rich in omega-3: Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardine contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects, reduce the risk of cancer and promote cardiovascular health . If you don’t like eating fish, you can consider supplementing omega-3 from other food sources or herbs.
5. High -fiber foods : Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, barley, peanuts, almonds and nuts can help maintain a healthy digestive system and aid in weight loss if needed.
6. Foods containing anti-cancer agents: Some foods are believed to have anti-cancer properties, including garlic, onions, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, pineapples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, carrots and other other fruits and vegetables.

Also, consult your doctor or nutritionist for an eating plan tailored to your personal condition and treatment.

Foods to avoid for lung cancer

During lung cancer treatment, there are some foods that should be limited or avoided to reduce the risk of negative effects on your health . Here are some foods that you should consider avoiding in case of lung cancer:

1. Foods high in saturated fat: Foods such as red meat, animal fats, butter, cream and dairy products contain high saturated fat. Saturated fat can cause weight gain, increase the risk of certain types of cancer and put pressure on internal organs, including the lungs.
2. Foods rich in cholesterol: Foods rich in cholesterol such as egg yolks, liver, high-fat seafood (such as shrimp, crab, squid), and dishes made from them. High cholesterol in the body can affect heart health and increase the risk of heart-related diseases.
3. Foods containing preservatives and artificial colors : Foods containing preservatives such as nitrites, nitrates and artificial colors can cause cancer risk. Examples include processed meats such as sausages, bacon, canned meats, and foods with artificial colors.
4. Foods containing sugar and refined sugar products : Sugar and refined sugar products can cause weight gain, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance the growth of cancer cells. You should limit your consumption of refined sugar, sweets and fast food.
5. Foods containing preservatives and additives : Foods containing preservatives such as benzoate, sorbate and other additives can have negative health effects . Limit consumption of industrially processed foods , fast foods and drinks containing these substances.
6. Foods containing stimulants: Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can have negative effects on health and lung cancer treatment. Limit consumption of coffee and alcoholic beverages and avoid smoking.

Most importantly, consult your doctor or nutritionist for an eating plan that is appropriate for your personal condition and treatment.

Medicines to treat lung cancer

There are many types of medications used to treat lung cancer, and the specific treatment will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Here are some of the main drugs used in lung cancer treatment:

1. EGFR inhibitors: Drugs such as erlotinib, gefitinib and afatinib are used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that expresses anti-cancer genes. paraepidermal (EGFR). They block the activity of the EGFR protein, reducing the growth of cancer cells.
2. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors (ALK inhibitors) : Crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, and brigatinib are anticancer drugs used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer that expresses the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene. (ALK). They have the effect of blocking the activity of ALK protein, helping to restrain the growth of cancer cells.
3. Anticancer drugs that access ROS1 (ROS1 inhibitors) : Crizotinib and entrectinib are anticancer drugs used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer that expresses the ROS1 gene. They block the activity of the ROS1 protein, reducing the growth of cancer cells.
4. Anticancer drugs that access MET (MET inhibitors) : Crizotinib and capmatinib are anticancer drugs that access the MET protein. They are used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with MET-accessible gene expression.
5. Anticancer drugs that access BRAF (BRAF inhibitors) : Dabrafenib and trametinib are anticancer drugs that access the BRAF protein. They are used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer that expresses the BRAF gene.
6. Chemotherapy drugs : Chemotherapy is a main treatment for lung cancer. Chemotherapy drugs such as platinum (cisplatin, carboplatin), taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), and vinorelbine are often used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.

Lung cancer treatment can combine many different medications and other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The decision on specific treatment will be made by the doctor based on a detailed assessment of the patient’s condition.

Oriental medicine and herbal medicine to treat lung cancer

Currently, there are no oriental or herbal medicines that have been proven to effectively treat lung cancer. In the treatment of lung cancer, proven medical methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are being widely used and have a positive influence on treatment results.

However, some people may use oriental medicine or herbs as adjunctive measures during lung cancer treatment. However, the views and effectiveness of these drugs have not been proven by clinical research and are not officially accepted in the medical community .

If you are interested in using oriental medicine or herbal supplements during your lung cancer treatment, discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any therapy. They can provide you with appropriate information and guidance based on your personal condition and current treatment.