Lung cancer in the Philippines is one of the most common causes of death. This type of cancer typically affects older adults and is rare in people younger than 45. Statistics of lung cancer in the Philippines show that while smokers are most likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer, non-smokers can still be affected by it.
There are many risk factors for lung cancer, and each of them may influence the likelihood of developing the disease. These risks can range from smoking to second-hand smoke, air pollution to family history.
Smoking
Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer, causing nearly one million deaths worldwide each year. The primary risk factor is tobacco smoking. It doubles a person’s risk of developing the disease compared to nonsmokers. However, a person can quit smoking before the disease develops and live longer than a nonsmoker.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. This chemical cocktail causes cell changes and increases lung cancer risk. It is estimated that up to 80% of lung cancer deaths are caused by cigarette smoking. Exposure to other industrial substances, such as asbestos and radon, also increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.
Second hand smoke
People have been constantly warned that cigarette smoking is dangerous for one’s health. But if there is anything more dangerous than smoking, it is secondhand smoke because you are inhaling more toxic smoke. People constantly exposed to this are more likely to develop lung cancer.
Air pollution
Many factors contribute to the risk of lung cancer, including air pollution. The average adult breathes approximately 10,000 liters of air each day. Exposure to air pollution, which includes gaseous pollutants, can cause lung cancer, even in low concentrations. While most lung cancer is caused by smoking, exposure to air pollution from cars or trucks can also increase the risk of lung cancer.
Statistical analyses have shown that fine-particle air pollution is associated with a higher risk of lung cancer. However, air pollution and lung cancer mortality are not directly linked in all cases. In some cases, the association between the two variables may be due to differences in how they are measured. For example, air pollution levels vary across metropolitan areas, which may account for variations in mortality.
Family history
Many studies have investigated the relationship between lung cancer and family history, assessing smokers and nonsmokers. However, the findings of these studies are mixed. While genetics are essential, environmental factors may also play an important role. For instance, a family member that smokes cigarettes has a higher risk of developing lung cancer than a nonsmoker. Similarly, a family member who lived in close proximity to someone who smoked cigarettes has a lower risk of developing lung cancer.
More information about lung cancer can be found in this infographic by Hope from Within.
