Lung cancer is one the most frequent malignancies in the Czech Republic, occurring more often in men. Cigarette smoking has contributed to the rapid surge in its incidence. Five thousand new patients are diagnosed annually in the Czech Republic, and in more than 60% of cases the disease is uncovered too late.
Cancer
In the healthy body, cells are continually produced and destroyed, and this process is in equilibrium. If this equilibrium is disturbed and cells are produced (they divide) more rapidly, then a mass of new tissue arises, termed a tumour. Tumours may be benign or malignant. Benign (non-cancerous) tumours usually have a capsule, they mostly do not invade surrounding tissues and they compress surrounding organs. Most importantly, they do not penetrate into the vascular or lymphatic system and they do not establish secondary foci (metastases). If the tumour is removed, it usually does not grow back. Malignant (cancerous) tumours are significantly more dangerous to the organism. Tumours of this type grow rapidly and invade the surrounding tissues, which they destroy- local extension of the tumour. Malignant tumours penetrate through the cells of vascular walls and cancerous cells thus extend through the lymphatic or vascular system into other parts of the organism, where further malignant growth may occur (metastasis).
Lung cancer most often affects patients between the age of 50 and 70. Lung tumours are dangerous mainly because, at the beginning, their growth causes no symptoms, the tumour cells divide uncontrollably in the lungs and infiltrate their surroundings. The first symptoms appear only when there is already massive involvement of the lungs. Apart from local growth, they may extend via the blood or lymphatic vessels and establish distant metastases most frequently in the liver, brain or bones.
Symptoms
The most frequent symptom reported by patients is a dry, irritating cough. This may be associated with chest pain and dyspnoea, which occurs when the tumour infiltrates the airways and blocks them. Expectoration of blood appears when the tumour damages blood vessels. General symptoms include weight loss, fatigue and fever.
Causes
Apart from smoking, a significant role in the development of lung cancer is also played by general lifestyle: environmental factors, stress, diet, physical activity as well as other factors. These factors can be influenced to a smaller or greater degree. Hereditary predispositions are a no less important factor.
Prevention
Definitely smoking cessation and avoiding smoke-filled rooms (passive smoking). Leading a healthy lifestyle, paying special attention to a well-balanced diet.
Treatment
Several methods may be considered in the treatment of this carcinoma. Selection of the suitable method depends on tumour size and localisation, on patient age and general state of health. These methods include: surgery (in the case of localised tumours), radiotherapy, chemotherapy. The best alternative remains prevention, especially in groups at risk of the disease.
How can GenScan reveal the risk of developing lung cancer?
GenScan analysis reveals an increased risk of lung cancer by testing those genes that play a role mainly in organism detoxification. I the case of an increased risk, the physician recommends suitable preventive measures, including dietary supplements.