L U N G C A N C E R
Lung cancer, officially called “bronchogenic carcinoma”, is the unregulated division of cells within lung tissue resulting in the formation of a tumor. This is triggered by long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals, occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals, and concentrated fine particulate matter (FPM) from polluted air. The risk of developing lung cancer can also be genetically inherited, however, environmental factors are more influential in its development.
p53.
P53 is a tumor suppressor gene, encoding proteins that identify and bind to regions of damaged DNA. It primarily functions to control the cell cycle by means of cell cycle arrest and through the promotion of apoptosis (self-destruction of cells). This ensures that mutated DNA does not propagate uncontrollably.
KRAS.
KRAS relays signal transduction pathways from the outside of a cell into its nucleus, regulating cell proliferation and differentiation (maturation and specialization) based upon the received external instructions. The KRAS gene is classified as a proto-oncogene, meaning that it has the potential to become an oncogene and promote the growth of cancer cells if activated through mutation.
Carcinogenesis.
Carcinogenesis is the development of a cancerous tumor through unregulated cell division and the distribution of mutated DNA throughout the body by the activation of protooncogenes (into cancer-promoting oncogenes) and the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Carcinogenesis can be initiated through exposure to various carcinogens.
Smoking is the No.1 cause of lung cancer.
Over 150,000 people die annually from lung cancer which accounts for about 25 percent of all cancer deaths. A female is 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer, and a male is 23 times more likely compared to a non-smoker.
One cigarette contains over 60 known carcinogens.
As a result of exposure to carcinogens, covalent bonds are formed between them and DNA (the development of DNA adducts). Among the 60+ carcinogens that can be found in a single cigarette, 20 are proven to cause lung tumors in laboratory animals or humans. Smoking is a constant risk factor.
Surgery.
There are surgeries for varying degrees of lung cancer, but in the event of a more extreme case, a lobectomy is used, the point at which a large portion of the lung is taken out. In some untreatable cases, the lung is removed in a pneumonectomy.
Medication.
There are many medications that are used to treat lung cancer, such as carboplatin or cisplatin. Cisplatin forms intra- and inter-strand cross-linkage of the purine bases of DNA, causing cell damage and apoptosis as a result.
And most critically...
...Lifestyle changes
Exercise often.
Just like muscles in the body, the lungs need to partake in physical activity which requires a fair amount of heavy breathing, which keeps the lungs strong, healthy, and in shape.
Avoid second hand smoke.
It is extremely important that one surrounds themselves in an environment that does not have any second-hand smoke, radon, or other dangerous chemicals that can pollute the air. Being able to visit the doctor and have regular checkups is essential. Being one step ahead of lung cancer and taking appropriate precautionary measures is the best way to ultimately prevent it.
Don't Smoke.
Or if you are already smoke, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional about how to take the steps to quit.
Designed by Aidan Villasis
Presented by Aidan Villasis,
Victor Kasian, and Jude Halfpenny