Discovering the deadly link between lung cancer and tobacco

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour originating in the lungs, and morbidity and mortality rates remain high globally. Despite the complex and diverse causes of lung cancer, tobacco use is undoubtedly one of the most significant risk factors. The paper will explore in depth the deadly link between lung cancer and tobacco, reveal the scientific rationale behind that relationship and provide prevention and response strategies. Tobacco – the leading cause of lung cancer – contains over 7,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which have been shown to be carcinogenic. These carcinogens include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitamine, formaldehyde and radioactive gases. When people smoke, these harmful substances enter the lungs with smoke, causing continuous damage to the lungs. Carcinogens in tobacco smoke can directly damage DNA and cause gene mutations in cells. These mutations may activate the carcinogenic genes or inhibit them, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and eventually to tumors. Moreover, tobacco smoke can cause chronic inflammation and further increase the risk of lung cancer. The type of lung cancer is related to tobacco. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among these, non-small cell lung cancers include subtypes such as carving cell cancer, gland cancer and large cell cancer. The relationship between tobacco and lung cancer varies among different types, but overall the risk of lung cancer among smokers is significantly higher than among non-smokers. For small-cell lung cancer, smoking is the main cause of morbidity. Small-cell lung cancer cells grow rapidly, transfer early and pregnose. Specular cell cancer is particularly closely related to smoking, which is more than 20 times higher among smokers than among non-smokers. Although gland cancer is more common among non-smokers, smoking remains an important risk factor for gland cancer. The relationship between tobacco and lung cancer is not static, but closely related to the dose of smoking. The dose of smoking is usually measured in terms of “years of smoke packs”, i.e., the daily number of packages multiplied by the number of years of smoking. Studies have shown that the more years smoke, the higher the risk of lung cancer. Even after the cessation of smoking, the risk is gradually reduced over time, but never to the level of non-smokers. In addition to active smoking, passive smoking (i.e. exposure to second-hand smoke) also increases the risk of lung cancer. Second-hand smoke contains hazardous substances similar to active smoking, so non-smokers are also threatened with lung cancer when exposed to long-term second-hand smoke. While tobacco is the main cause of lung cancer, other factors play a role in its occurrence. For example, long-term exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, arsenic and certain industrial chemicals also increases the risk of lung cancer. In addition, genetic factors, air pollution and chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may be associated with lung cancer. The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. For smokers, smoking cessation is the most immediate measure to reduce the risk of lung cancer. After cessation of smoking, the self-rehabilitation capacity of the lungs will gradually increase and the risk of lung cancer will decrease. In addition to smoking, regular lung cancer screening is an important means of early detection. Lung cancer screening usually includes low-dose computer fault scanning (LDCT) for high-risk groups, such as long-term smokers and those with a family history of lung cancer. In terms of treatment, the treatment strategy for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage period and the overall health status of the patient. Common treatment methods include surgery, treatment, chemotherapy, target treatment and immunotherapy. With advances in medicine, the survival and quality of life of lung cancer patients has improved significantly. Although the challenge of lung cancer remains daunting, it is hoped that, through the concerted efforts of society as a whole, we will reduce the impact of the disease on human health. Let us start by rejecting tobacco and work for a healthy lifestyle and a better future.