Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2024. It makes us aware to detect and prevent cancer in its early stagesWe have to take care to keep the lungs healthy. The reason for this is that the lungs are one of the organs of the immune system. The month of November is celebrated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the growing prevalence of lung cancer worldwide. In our country too, the significance of this month is highlighted through seminars and symposiums. Lungs are the most damaged in the human body. As a result, breathing problems appear

Lung cancer is a deadly disease. It is quite difficult to detect initially. This is because the screening methods used to detect other cancers are not as effective in lung cancer. So it can be identified through early stage or incidental finding. As is often the case, the patient has had a lung X-ray for some reason, from which lung cancer is suspected and treated at a later date. The risk of lung cancer is highest in men in our country. Regarding the risk of death, it must be said that the risk of death from cancer is the highest in different countries of the world including Bangladesh.

> Lung cancer can occur in two ways:-
One. When lung cancer is confined to the lungs. It can be said that cough, fever, change in throat tone, blood with cough or shortness of breath are some of the common symptoms of lung cancer, which are limited to the lungs.

Two. Lung cancer is not confined to the lungs but spreads from the lungs to other places; For example, if it spreads to the bones, severe pain can be felt. In many cases, lung cancer can also spread to the brain, and at times the affected patient may even have to be rendered unconscious for treatment. It can spread to the liver, causing abdominal pain or jaundice. So the treatment should be given depending on the level of the diseaseLike other cancers, lung cancer can be divided into four stages. It is very difficult to detect in early stage. However, it is identified through some incidental findings. Later the patient may come with local lung problems. In many cases, it spreads beyond the lungs to such an extent that when the patient comes for consultation with symptoms of damage to those organs, lung cancer is diagnosed. Studies have shown that 85%-90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking. Arsenic is present in the water in various parts of our country, which is also one of the causes of cancer. Apart from this, many people may be affected by cancer due to family sources or other diseases related to old age. Therefore, as soon as the symptoms of lung cancer appear, a specialist should be consulted.

> What is cancer?
The body of a multicellular organism is made up of many small cells. These cells die over a period of time. And these old dead cells are replaced by new cells. Normally, cells divide in a controlled and orderly manner to give rise to new cellsBut when these cells continue to grow uncontrollably due to activation of cancer-promoting oncogenes or inactivation of cancer-suppressor genes; Then a piece of flesh or wheel is seen at that place. Which is called a tumor. This tumor can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are known as cancer. That is, neoplastic or tumor cells with a high rate of aggressiveness, metastasis and the ability to spread elsewhere in the body are called malignant tumors or cancer.

> Lung cancer:-
If the above occurs in the lungs, it is called lung cancer. Lung cancer is the deadliest of all respiratory diseases. There is no accurate statistics of cancer mortality in our country.
According to International Agency for Research data, 150,000 new cancer patients are diagnosed in Bangladesh every year. About 91,000 people die each year from infected patients. The people who die are mainly lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, breast, oesophagus, pancreas and cervical cancer. About 16 percent of the total cancer patients diagnosed in Bangladesh are affected by lung cancer. Lung cancer can arise from any cell, including the epithelium of the airways, alveoli and mucous glands. In many cases, the cancer is not limited to the lungs and may spread to the lymph nodes and other organs (such as the brain, bones, etc.).
Depending on the type of cancer cells, lung cancer is divided into two types, namely small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma. Non-small cell carcinoma can be further divided into three categories – squamous cell carcinoma (35 percent), adenocarcinoma (30 percent) and large cell carcinoma (15 percent)Apart from this, other types of lung cancer include adenoid cystic carcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, etc., which are basically rare. Squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs in the base of the airway and small cell carcinoma in the middle. This classification is the basis of lung cancer treatment.
> Causes of lung cancer:-
Lung cancer is the first cause of death in men worldwide, and the second in women. Urban people are more affected by lung cancer than rural people. Of course, there is a valid reason behind this - black smoke from vehicles and factories, air pollution, and dust are much more in cities than in villages.
Small particles or fibers of inorganic materials such as asbestos, nickel, chromium and organic materials such as benzene, benzopyrene etc. can cause lung cancer by entering the lungs with the air. Constant torture on the lungs is responsible for this. About 80 percent of lung cancer patients are direct or indirect smokers and tobacco users.
People who smoke 20 to 40 cigarettes a day are 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Small cell cancer is most common in regular smokers. It is more deadly than other lung cancers and spreads to other parts of the body relatively quickly.
Also, the relative risk of developing lung cancer is almost twice that of other patients. From this it is assumed that genetic influence also exists in the origin of this cancer. Apart from this, the risk of lung cancer also increases in diseases like silicosis, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis etc.
The presence of radon gas in the air and unwanted radioactivity are also significant causes of lung cancer. Some specialized occupations, such as coal miners, building construction workers, petroleum, chemical or rubber factory workers and ship workers, those who work in X-ray departments, those who are given radiation therapy, workers in asbestos factories or those who work in a lot of dust and sand- Lungs in such individualsCancer rates are high.Also, if the cancer is elsewhere in the body, there is a risk of it spreading quickly from that place to the lungs through the blood. This is called secondary carcinoma of the lung. About 40 percent of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This is due to negligence.
> Symptoms of lung cancer:
Cough is one of the symptoms of lung cancer. If the cough persists for more than eight weeks and is accompanied by chest pain, be careful. Cough is an early symptom of lung cancer in two-thirds of patients. However, there is no such thing as phlegm with coughBecause a hacking cough can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Coughing up blood is another symptom of lung cancer. This symptom is more common in male smokers. In addition, cancer cells inhibit the functioning of the airways. Therefore, breathing problems may also appear.
In addition, prolonged fever, sudden weight loss of about 5 kg or more without exercise, frequent bouts of pneumonia, hoarseness or hoarseness for more than two weeks or sudden change in voice, prolonged fatigue or lethargy, Weakness, loss of appetiteetc. can also be a symptom of lung cancer.Also, there may be pain in different parts of the body, such as neck, back, chest and arms. Which increases during coughing. About 50 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer are diagnosed with chest and shoulder pain.
> Detection of lung cancer:-
A chest X-ray is the first step in detecting lung cancer. Sputum analysis under a microscope can also sometimes detect the presence of cancer cells. However, the most effective way to detect cancer is a biopsy, where abnormal cells or tissue are observed or sampled and tested. Common biopsies include bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, needle biopsy etc.
Before starting treatment for lung cancer, the stage of the cancer is determined. Treatment is planned based on the type, location and size of the cancer, staging, grading and the patient's physical condition.
> Suggestion:-
The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to stop smoking and avoid tobacco use. Even staying near smokers should be avoided. It is important to reduce the black smoke emission of industrial factories and vehicles to an acceptable levelIt is also wise to avoid various chemicals like chromium, cadmium, asbestos etc. Again, lung cancer can appear in the affected area of the lung after healing of lung inflammation diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia. So it is necessary to be as careful as possibleIf a person over the age of 50 has used more than 20 cigarettes per day for more than 30 years; Then they should be screened for lung cancer. If the disease is caught at an early stage, the mortality rate can be greatly reduced through treatment. Lung safety is largely in your own hands.
By carefully following some rules, the risk of contracting this terrible disease can be avoided to a large extent. And food plays the biggest role in keeping the lungs healthy. Due to aging, environmental pollution and various diseases, those who have reduced lung function, need to pay extra attention to their food listAccording to the report of the American Lung Association, in this case, you should eat healthy fats instead of carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrates produce more carbon dioxide during digestion and beneficial fats produce less carbon dioxide during digestion. As a result, our lungs are healthy.
* Water: Drinking water is undoubtedly beneficial for the body. It helps keep the lungs healthy. Drink two to three liters or more of water per day to maintain lung health and immunity. It improves blood circulation in the lungs and thins the mucus. As a result, the harmful substances and germs inside the body are easily removed through sneezing and coughing.
* Green Tea:- Green tea is a healthy drink. High levels of antioxidants in green tea reduce lung inflammation and improve lung function. You can drink two cups of green tea daily to keep your lungs healthy.
* Fish:- Different types of fish are beneficial for our health. Fish is very effective in boosting immunity. Marine fish, especially those rich in fatty acids, greatly improve lung function. Omega three fatty acids in fish help fight lung infections. So keep fish regularly.
* Raw Turmeric: Turmeric contains antioxidants and curcumin, which protect the lungs from the effects of pollutants and reduce inflammation. You can chew raw turmeric every morning. If you don't like to eat only turmeric, you can eat honey and turmeric together. This will make the lungs better.
*Garlic and Ginger: Ginger and garlic are known as beneficial spices. Its anti-inflammatory properties keep the lungs healthy and help flush out pollutants from the lungs. These two spices improve lung blood circulation and reduce the risk of cancer.
* Broccoli:- Broccoli contains sulforaphane and antioxidants, which protect the body from stress damage and improve lung function. So keep broccoli in your daily diet.
* Fruits and vegetables:- Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will keep the lungs healthy. Fruits and vegetables such as currants, apples, grapes, oranges, guavas, carrots, beans, cucumbers, pumpkins are good for the lungs. Also, foods like chilies, olive oil, nuts and seeds, onions, milk and eggs play an effective role in lung care.
Finally, I would like to say, - Lung cancer is one of the incurable diseases in human life. But if you follow the religious rules and follow the health rules in your life, you can stay away from this disease. Cancer is easy to treat if caught in the early stages. Treatment is to remove the cancerous tissue from the part of the body where the cancer is diagnosed through homeopathic medicines. If the treatment of this disease is not cured in the early stage, it can be dangerous. This disease can become complicated and difficult. Sometimes there is a possibility of death. Along with the progress of medical science in the world of 21st century, homeo medicine has also made great progress. The quality of homeo medicines has improved. Lung cancer can get quick benefits in homeo treatment if the disease is properly diagnosed and medicines are applied.
In conclusion, lung cancer is a complex disease that requires not only awareness, but also prevention efforts. Find out if you or a loved one is at risk and get your lungs checked todaySo make yourself and everyone around you aware of the dreaded disease through awareness - only then it is possible to pass on a happy, prosperous, healthy life to future generations.

The writer is a, Founder and Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society Doctor, columnist and researcher