Lung Cancer: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Lung cancer is often called a silent killer because, by the time it shows symptoms, it’s usually in an advanced stage. Most people associate it with smoking, but did you know that 15-20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked in their lives?

There’s a lot more to lung cancer than just tobacco use. Factors like air pollution, genetics, workplace exposure, and even chronic inflammation can contribute to its development. Early detection is crucial, yet many cases are found too late because symptoms often mimic common respiratory conditions.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Lesser-known causes of lung cancer (beyond smoking)
• How to detect lung cancer early (before it spreads)
• The latest treatment options giving new hope to patients
• The surprising connection between lung cancer and osteoarthritis

Let’s dive in.

Lung Cancer Facts & Statistics You Should Know

Before we talk about causes and treatments, let’s look at some eye-opening lung cancer statistics:

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, making up 25% of all cancer deaths.
• In India, lung cancer accounts for 5.9% of all cancer cases but nearly 8.8% of all cancer deaths, making it one of the deadliest cancers.
• The 5-year survival rate is only 18%, but when caught early, it increases to 56%. Unfortunately, only 16% of cases are diagnosed early.
• Air pollution contributes to nearly 10-15% of lung cancer cases globally, affecting even non-smokers.

With lung cancer cases on the rise, understanding its causes and symptoms could save lives.

What Causes Lung Cancer? (It’s More Than Just Smoking!)

1️⃣ Radon Gas – The Hidden Threat in Homes

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and can build up in homes, especially in basements. It’s completely odorless and invisible, making it one of the most overlooked causes of lung cancer.

Fact: Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide, after smoking.

Solution: Get your home tested for radon levels, especially if you live in an older house or basement apartment.

2️⃣ Air Pollution – A Growing Concern

With increasing industrialization, air pollution is becoming the “new smoking.” Fine particles (PM2.5) from:

• Car exhaust & factories
• Construction dust & burning waste
• Indoor pollutants like cooking fumes

…can increase lung cancer risk over time.

Solution: Use air purifiers at home, wear masks in polluted areas, and avoid outdoor exercise near traffic-heavy roads.

3️⃣ Genetics – Can You Inherit Lung Cancer?

If someone in your family has had lung cancer, your risk doubles—even if you’ve never smoked. Certain genetic mutations make some people more vulnerable, meaning environmental triggers can cause cancer more easily in them.

💡 Solution: If lung cancer runs in your family, consider genetic testing and regular screenings.

4️⃣ Workplace Exposure – Are You at Risk?

Certain jobs expose workers to toxic substances like:

• Asbestos (construction, shipyards)
• Diesel fumes (factories, mines)
• Arsenic & silica (industrial settings)

🚨 Fact: Nearly 15% of lung cancer cases in men are work-related.

💡 Solution: If you work in a high-risk industry, always wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation.

Why Is Lung Cancer So Hard to Detect?

Lung cancer is tricky—it doesn’t always show symptoms until it’s advanced. Since lungs don’t have pain nerves, tumors can grow silently.

🚨 Common early symptoms to watch for:

• A persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
• Shortness of breath (even with mild activity)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Coughing up blood

Best Early Detection Methods

• Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT) – The gold standard for early lung cancer detection
• Liquid Biopsy – A simple blood test that detects cancer DNA
• AI-powered Diagnostics – AI-assisted scans can catch lung cancer earlier than traditional X-rays

💡 Who should get screened?
If you are over 50, a smoker, or have a family history of lung cancer, talk to a doctor about regular screenings.

Breakthrough Lung Cancer Treatments

1️⃣ Immunotherapy – Boosting Your Immune System

Instead of attacking cancer directly (like chemo), immunotherapy helps your body fight lung cancer naturally.

✅ Example: Keytruda (pembrolizumab) has doubled survival rates for some lung cancer patients.

2️⃣ Targeted Therapy – Personalized Medicine

If your lung cancer has a specific genetic mutation (EGFR, ALK, ROS1), targeted therapy blocks cancer growth without harming healthy cells.

🚨 Fact: Targeted therapy has fewer side effects and better success rates than chemotherapy.

✅ Example: Osimertinib (Tagrisso) is a breakthrough for EGFR-mutant lung cancer.

Lung Cancer & Osteoarthritis – The Unexpected Connection

Research suggests that chronic inflammation, common in arthritis, could increase lung cancer risk.

👉 Some arthritis drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin) are being studied for possible anti-cancer benefits.
👉 A healthy diet and exercise can lower inflammation, reducing risks for both arthritis & lung cancer.

💡 If you have osteoarthritis and are at risk for lung cancer, staying active and reducing inflammation naturally can help.

Why Choose Paras Hospitals for Lung Cancer Treatment?

At Paras Hospitals, we offer state-of-the-art lung cancer diagnostics and treatment, including:

• Advanced screening & early detection (Low-Dose CT, AI-powered diagnostics)
• Customized treatment plans (Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Chemotherapy)
• World-class oncologists & pulmonologists with years of experience
• Comprehensive patient support (nutrition, rehabilitation, counseling)

Early detection can save your life!
Book a consultation with our lung cancer experts today.

📞 Call Paras Hospitals at 8080808069 to schedule an appointment.