Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers in most countries and is the leading cause of death among cancer diseases worldwide.1 The disease is often discovered in a late stage, but also in earlier stages lung cancer patients have worse outcome than patients with other cancers. Even without spreading to other organs, during stage I, the survival rate of lung cancer is under 70%. In comparison, for example, breast cancer there is 95% survival in stage. 2
Classification of lung cancer3:
Lung cancers are broadly classified into two types:
- Small cell lung cancers (SCLC)
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) SCLCs (about 15% of lung cancers) tend to start in the middle of the lungs and usually spread faster than NSCLCs
- Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)
NSCLCs (about 85% of lung cancers) may be classified as:
- Adenocarcinoma – begins in mucus-producing cells; more often found in outer part of the lungs
- Squamous cell carcinoma – begins in thin, flat cells; most often found in larger airways
- Large cell undifferentiated carcinoma – the cancer cells are not clearly squamous or adenocarcinoma.
- Other, rarer types of non-small cell lung cancer are adenosquamous carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma and carcinoid tumours.
Risk factors associated with Lung cancer4:
Genetic risk factors: Studies have shown that the risk of developing lung cancer is increased in a family history of individuals who have had lung cancer.
Diet and alcohol: A combination of smoking and regular alcohol consumption has been shown to be a risk factor for lung cancer.
Ionising radiation: The risk of developing lung cancer is associated with common exposures to ionizing radiation.
Environmental risks: Many environmental factors are involved in the development of lung cancer. Indeed, many case studies note that the indoor environment is heavily polluted by a complex mixture of gases and particles produced by combustion. Many studies conclude that solid exposure to fuel smoke has been associated with various diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infections, and various types of cancer, particularly lung cancer.
Occupational exposures: Nowadays, it is important to carefully note that occupational exposures play a major role in the factors of the increased development of lung cancer, and the risk of lung cancer is also observed in a very high way among workers in a certain number of industries and professions. It is also important to note that the most important occupational lung carcinogens would be PAHs, asbestos, silica, radon, and heavy metals.
Reference:
- Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052049
- International Journal of Health Sciences and Research Vol.13; Issue: 10; October 2023
- Cancer Council Australia 2024. ISBN 978 1 923073 25 8
- Explor Med. 2023;4:1168–88 | https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00201
