5 Facts about Lung Cancer You Need to Know

Lung is a very important organ in the human respiratory system. This part was also not free from cancer cell attacks.

Let's take a closer look at lung cancer.

1. kieThe most deadly cancer


Lung cancer is not the most common type of cancer. However, the death rate from lung cancer is higher than other cancers.

For example, out of 100 lung cancer patients in the first year, until the fifth year only two survive.

"The most prevalent cancer in men is prostate and colon, in women there are breast and cervical cancers, but the most common cause of death is lung cancer," says Jamal.


2. kieThe majority of lung cancer patients are smokers


Jamal revealed, of the total number of lung cancer patients present, 80 percent are smokers. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer.

Substances that are carcinogenic from the content of cigarette smoke will slowly damage the lungs and develop cancer cells. "Smokers are 21 times the risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers," said Jamal.


3. kieFound at an advanced stage


It takes a long time for the occurrence of lung cancer. Unfortunately, according to Jamal, about 80 percent of cases of lung cancer are found in stages 3 and 4.

This is one of the causes of low survival rates of cancer patients. Many patients who are unaware have lung cancer and ignore the symptoms.


4. kieSymptoms similar to TB disease


Jamal reveals, lung cancer initially is often mistaken for infection with tuberculosis (TB) germs. Because, symptoms of lung cancer and tuberculosis are very similar, namely coughing, spasms, fatigue, and weight loss.

Symptoms are often ignored so that it is only known when it is advanced stage. Do not consider trivial symptoms that appear, especially if you have risk factors.


5. kieThe case of lung cancer in Indonesia continues to increase


The number of lung cancer patients in Indonesia from year to year continues to increase. Jamal revealed, the year 2000 found 273 cases per year. Then in 2009 it became 938 cases. Currently there are about 1000 new cases of lung cancer per year.

"Most of the patients are male smokers, 25 percent are non-smokers," Jamal said.

The increase is also suspected because of the high consumption of cigarettes in Indonesia and an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle.

Jamal revealed, in research in the United States, an increase in lung cancer cases is always followed by an increase in the number of smokers.

"High cigarette consumption, see 20 to 30 years more cases of lung cancer as well," said Jamal.