On a sunny morning, when we take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air, we rarely think about how the lungs, hidden deep in the chest, work silently to filter every breath. Unfortunately, however, for millions of families around the world, the shadow of lung cancer has loomed over their lives. This battle against lung cancer has forced us to face the brutal truth that no cigarette is innocent in this battle.
Lung cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide, claims countless lives every year. It has a high mortality rate, is difficult to treat, and causes great suffering and economic burden to patients and their families. Smoking is undoubtedly the number one killer of lung cancer. Studies have shown that smokers have several times the risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers. With every puff of smoke, thousands of chemicals attack our lungs, many of which have been definitively identified as carcinogens.
Smoking and lung cancer: The deadly link demystified
Smoking, a time-honored habit, has been proven time and time again by scientific research to be a major cause of lung cancer. With every puff of smoke, thousands of chemicals enter the lungs, at least 70 of which have been proven to be carcinogenic. First, they damage the DNA of lung cells, and when these cells try to repair the DNA damage, errors can occur, triggering the cancerous process. In addition, smoking reduces the ability of the lungs to clean, making it easier for carcinogens to accumulate in the lungs and increasing the risk of lung cancer.
However, smoking is not the only threat. Passive smoking, i.e. inactive smoking in a smoking environment, also increases the risk of lung cancer. Passive smokers inhale smoke that contains the same harmful chemicals as active smoking, and long-term exposure to this environment can also pose a serious threat to the health of the lungs.
The lungs are "warning" you: early signals that should not be ignored
Persistent cough: an urgent signal from the lungs
Many people think of coughing as a common symptom, but when the cough becomes persistent and gets worse over time, it can be a warning sign from the lungs. A persistent cough may mean that the cells in your lungs have been damaged and are in the early stages of becoming cancerous. Especially for long-term smokers, this cough should not be ignored.
Dyspnea: a sign of decreased lung function
Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath while doing daily activities can also be early signs of lung cancer. When tumors grow in the trachea or lungs, they can block air flow, making it difficult to breathe. This symptom is usually more pronounced during physical activity, but as the condition progresses, it may feel poor breathing even at rest.