Back to Menu
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the bronchial mucosa or alveolar epithelium. Its initiation and progression are closely associated with smoking, environmental pollution, and other factors. As the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, lung cancer is characterized by high incidence and high mortality, posing a serious threat to human health.
Lung cancer is mainly classified into two major categories
Non-small cell lung cancer: This accounts for the majority of cases (80%–85%) and includes adenocarcinoma (the most common subtype, more frequent in non-smokers), squamous cell carcinoma (associated with smoking), and large cell carcinoma (uncommon but highly aggressive).
Small cell lung cancer: This accounts for 10%–15% of cases, is strongly associated with smoking, is highly malignant with a propensity for early metastasis, and is primarily treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In addition, molecular subtyping (e.g., driver alterations such as EGFR and ALK) provides a key basis for contemporary precision therapy.
Etiology of lung cancer
1. Smoking: Both active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure significantly increase lung cancer risk and represent the leading cause.
2. Occupational exposure: Long-term exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel.
3. Air pollution: Outdoor PM2.5 and indoor radon exposure.
4. Genetic factors: A family history of lung cancer increases individual susceptibility.
5. Chronic lung disease: Underlying conditions such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
6. Radiation exposure: A history of prior thoracic radiotherapy.
Prevention and health maintenance for lung cancer
1. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke; minimize exposure to occupational carcinogens.
2. High-risk individuals should undergo regular low-dose CT screening for early detection and intervention.
3. Reduce exposure to air pollution; ensure indoor ventilation and mitigate radon exposure.
4. Maintain a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, control body weight, and promote overall health.
5. Actively manage chronic lung diseases and attend regular follow-up to preserve lung function.
Conclusion
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that treatment outcomes and prognosis are poor in advanced-stage lung cancer. A comprehensive prevention and control system is essential, including active prevention, regular screening for early diagnosis, and individualized multimodal treatment strategies based on stage and subtype to substantially improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the bronchial mucosa or alveolar epithelium. Its initiation and progression are closely associated with smoking, environmental pollution, and other factors. As the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, lung cancer is characterized by high incidence and high mortality, posing a serious threat to human health.
Lung cancer is mainly classified into two major categories
Non-small cell lung cancer: This accounts for the majority of cases (80%–85%) and includes adenocarcinoma (the most common subtype, more frequent in non-smokers), squamous cell carcinoma (associated with smoking), and large cell carcinoma (uncommon but highly aggressive).
Small cell lung cancer: This accounts for 10%–15% of cases, is strongly associated with smoking, is highly malignant with a propensity for early metastasis, and is primarily treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In addition, molecular subtyping (e.g., driver alterations such as EGFR and ALK) provides a key basis for contemporary precision therapy.
Etiology of lung cancer
1. Smoking: Both active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure significantly increase lung cancer risk and represent the leading cause.
2. Occupational exposure: Long-term exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, chromium, and nickel.
3. Air pollution: Outdoor PM2.5 and indoor radon exposure.
4. Genetic factors: A family history of lung cancer increases individual susceptibility.
5. Chronic lung disease: Underlying conditions such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis.
6. Radiation exposure: A history of prior thoracic radiotherapy.
Prevention and health maintenance for lung cancer
1. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke; minimize exposure to occupational carcinogens.
2. High-risk individuals should undergo regular low-dose CT screening for early detection and intervention.
3. Reduce exposure to air pollution; ensure indoor ventilation and mitigate radon exposure.
4. Maintain a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, control body weight, and promote overall health.
5. Actively manage chronic lung diseases and attend regular follow-up to preserve lung function.
Conclusion
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that treatment outcomes and prognosis are poor in advanced-stage lung cancer. A comprehensive prevention and control system is essential, including active prevention, regular screening for early diagnosis, and individualized multimodal treatment strategies based on stage and subtype to substantially improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.