Dr. Alexander Myasnikov announced that lung cancer remains the most common type of cancer worldwide, both in terms of cases and deaths. In a television program, Myasnikov pointed out that early-stage lung cancer often does not exhibit any symptoms, while in advanced stages, its symptoms resemble those of various diseases. So, what causes lung cancer and how can it be diagnosed?
He added that the most common symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, hoarseness, chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory illnesses—such as bronchitis and pneumonia—fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. According to him, it is vital for individuals to understand the causes of lung cancer. This disease is primarily diagnosed in smokers—both active and passive. Even if a person has never smoked or been around someone who smokes, this does not mean they are immune to lung cancer.
He continued: other factors that can lead to lung cancer include air pollution, inhalation of asbestos used in construction, radon gas— a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in basements and lower levels of buildings, tuberculosis, oncogenic viruses, a family history of lung cancer, and other genetic factors. According to him, lung cancer can be diagnosed in its early stages using low-dose computed tomography.
