Page 22 - Advice Matters Magazine - FWP - Dec 24

Health Spotlight: What is

lung cancer?

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is one of Preventing lung cancer
the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Preventing lung cancer starts with avoiding tobacco
Australia. smoke. Other measures include testing homes for radon,
• In 2023, about 14,782 Australians were diagnosed avoiding carcinogens at work, eating a healthy diet, and
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with lung cancer. exercising regularly.
• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths with Vaping
a reported 8,691 deaths in 2023. Cigarettes and vaping each have their own set of health
• It is the fifth most common cancer in Australia and risks While it may be challenging to stop smoking,
accounts for 9% of all cancers diagnosed. 1 swapping out cigarettes for vaping comes with its own
set of health risks, including lung damage and exposure to
Causes and risk factors harmful chemicals.
The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco. Both
active smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke Here are some of the potential health effects of vaping:
are at a higher risk. Other causes for lung cancer include 1. Nicotine addiction: Most e-cigarettes contain
exposure to radon gas, asbestos, pollution and a family nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain
history of lung cancer. development, especially in young people.
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Symptoms of lung cancer can vary but often include: 2. Respiratory problems: Vaping can cause lung injury
• Persistent cough • Chest pain and other respiratory issues, including persistent coughing,
• Shortness of breath • Hoarseness shortness of breath and even lung damage.
• Unexplained weight loss • Coughing up blood 3. Irritation: The chemicals in e-cigarette vapor can
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irritate the mouth and airways, leading to symptoms like
The diagnosis of lung cancer typically involves:
sore throat and mouth sores.
Imaging tests: X-rays and CT scans to look for abnormal 4. Headaches and dizziness: Some users experience
masses in the lungs headaches, dizziness, and nausea from inhaling the

Biopsy: A Sample of abnormal cells is taken for analysis chemicals in e-cigarettes.
5. Seizures: High levels of nicotine from vaping can lead
Sputum cytology: Examining sputum under a
microscope for cancer cells.4 to seizures, especially in young people.
6. Mental health effects: Vaping can increase stress
Types of lung cancer and anxiety levels, and negatively impact mood and
There are 2 types of lung cancer: Non-small lung cancer impulse control.
(NSCLC) which makes up about 85% of cases Large-cell 7. Exposure to harmful chemicals: e-cigarette
Carcinoma (SCLC), accounting for 10-15% of cases. This is vapor can contain harmful substances like formaldehyde,
aggressive and typically affects smokers, spreading rapidly. 5 acrolein, and heavy metals such as nickel and lead.8
Treatment options Resources
Treatment depends on the type and state of cancer, as well For more information on how to quit smoking the following
as the patient’s overall health. resources can help. Quit smoking cancer.org.au/cancer-
information/causes-and-prevention/smoking/quit-smoking
Common treatments include:
Surgery: To remove the tumour and some surrounding How to quit smoking and vaping?
healthy tissue health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/
how-to-quit
Radiation therapy: using high-energy rays to kill cancer
cells 1 Lung Cancer Statistics. Australian Government, Cancer Australia 2024
2 Lung Cancer. Cancer Council Victoria. May 2024
Chemotherapy: Involves drugs to kill cancer cells or 3 Lung Cancer. Cancer Council Victoria. May 2024
stop their growth. 4 Lung Foundation Australia. Diagnosis and Types of Lung Cancer 2024
5 Lung Cancer. St Vincents Hospital Lung Health 2024
Targeted therapy: Uses drugs to target specific 6 Lung Foundation Australia. Diagnosis and Types of Lung Cancer 2024
molecules involved in cancer growth. 7 Lung Cancer. Health Direct 2024
8 About vaping and e-cigarettes. Department of Health and Aged Care,
Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight cancer. 6 Australian Government 2024

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DECEMBER 2024