Cancer is named from the part of the body it begins. Hence cancer that begins in the lungs is lung cancer, where cells multiply beyond control. Every time we breathe in, air enters the lungs through the trachea and branches into bronchi tubes, which further branches into bronchioles. The bronchioles have tiny air sacs called alveoli. Lung cancer typically begins in the cells lining the alveoli, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Types of lung cancer and their causes

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
NSCLC is the most common type of cancer, and its subtypes are:

• Adenocarcinoma is cancer that affects the cells that produce mucus in the outer part of the lungs.
• Squamous cell carcinoma affects squamous cells that are in the airway of the lungs.
• Large cell carcinoma can appear anywhere in the lungs.

Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
SCLC is cancer that affects the tissues in the lung and may have spread even before diagnosis. Lung carcinoid tumors, adenoid cystic carcinomas, lymphoma, and sarcoma are other rare lung cancers.

Causes of lung cancer
Smoking is the predominant cause of lung cancer, amounting to about 80% of lung cancer. Cigarettes contain about 4,000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Passive smoking, that is, those who inhale the tobacco from smokers near them are also at risk of lung cancer. Industrial, automobile, and air pollution, asbestos inhalation, and those working with hazardous metals can also get lung cancer. For non-smokers, a family history or genetic mutation is the main cause of lung cancer.

Symptoms of lung cancer
There are many times when there are no active symptoms of lung cancer and may be diagnosed during regular tests. If you have any of these following symptoms, persistently and frequently, it could be an indication of lung cancer:

• Voice hoarseness
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Bloody sputum
• Chest pain
• Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia
• Unexplained loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, and loss of weight

Treatment of lung cancer
There is no cure for lung cancer unless doctors completely remove all the cancerous cells. The goal of treatment is to remove the cancer cells and ensure that they do not metastasize or spread to other organs or parts of the body. Doctors use either one or a combination of the procedures -combine surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgery
Doctors use surgery to treat lung cancer that has not spread outside the lungs to remove the cancer cells.

Radiation therapy
Doctors use high-powered energy beams that kill cancer cells with less damage to normal cells and treat most kinds of lung cancer.

Chemotherapy
Doctors or a combination of chemotherapy prescriptions to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment or before surgery to shrink the cells or be combined with radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy
The use of prescriptions that do not cause damage to healthy cells and only target the cancer cells is called targeted therapy.

Immunotherapy
Prescriptions that improve a patient’s immune system to fight cancer can also be used to treat lung cancer.

An ideal diet for patients with lung cancer
There is no specific diet plan for lung cancer, but a balanced diet can improve the outcome of treatment. Avoid processed meat, red meat, and alcohol during and after treatment. Eat a fresh nutritional plant-based diet rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to regain strength and take supplements only under a doctor’s advice. Choose a bland diet to manage the side effects of medication and treatment. Drink a lot of fluids that can help flush toxins and keep you well hydrated.

Choose from:

• Eggs, if they are well cooked
• Low-fat dairy
• Beans
• Soya-based food
• Whole-grain pasta
• Whole-wheat bread
• Oatmeal
• Brown rice
• Rainbow-colored vegetables and fruits

Avoid the following:

• Deli and cold cut meat
• Sugar-rich desserts
• Cheese
• Processed food that contains synthetic additives
• Raw food, unpasteurized juices.