Lung cancer is the most common cancer that develops due to smoking cigarettes. It can spread to the brain. According to health experts, it can cause second cancer. According to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health journal, 72,510 new cases of lung cancer are reported every year in India, which is 5.8 percent of all cancer cases. It is the third most common cancer.
Health experts said that a major challenge arises when lung cancer spreads to vital parts of the body such as the brain. Fortis Hospital Praveen Gupta, Head and Principal Director, Department of Neurology, AIIMS, said, “Brain cancer is a common problem in many types of cancer, especially in lung cancer patients.” Praveen Gupta further said, “About 10 percent of new patients of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have brain cancer. In 40 to 50 percent of these cases, lung cancer is the primary tumor.” Treating cases of brain cancer requires a multi-specialist team, including cancer specialists, neurologists and palliative care specialists, to meet the complex needs of patients.
The primary goal of doctors is to reduce patients’ pain and discomfort, increase and prolong their life expectancy, and provide personalized treatment and supportive care to improve their quality of life. When lung cancer spreads to the brain, it can be treated through treatments such as systemic chemotherapy. These treatments help control both the primary cancer in the lungs and the cancer that has spread to the brain.
Tobacco smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer in India, causing the disease in a large number of people. “Cigarette smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 85 per cent of all cases. Stopping cigarette smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk,” said Pawan Yadav, Chief Consultant, Interventional Pulmonology and Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital. However, early detection of cancer and timely screening plays a key role in improving lung cancer outcomes. He further added that when lung cancer is detected at an early stage and when it has not spread to other parts of the body, the chances of successful treatment and potential cure are higher. (With inputs from IANS)
Tags: brain science, Health, health benefits, Lifestyle
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 4, 2024, 15:50 IST
