LUNG CANCER - RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES - OVERVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Europäische Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Home About the Journal Peer Review Editorial Board For Authors Reviewer Recognition Archive Contact Impressum EWG e.V. Elektronische Zeitschriftbibliotek Logo Bielefeld Academic Search Engine Logo Erfolgreich durch internationale Zusammenarbeit ONCOLOGY Cite as: Archiv EuroMedica. 2024. 14; 3. DOI 10.35630/2024/14/3.344 Received 25 April 2024; Accepted 15 June 2024; Published 19 June 2024 LUNG CANCER - RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES - OVERVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Jakub Rybak1email orcid id logo, Barbara Magiera2orcid id logo, Karol Magiera1orcid id logo, Martyna Grabowska-Szczurek3orcid id logo, Alicja Grabarczyk4 orcid id logo, Piotr Bator1 orcid id logo, Michał Razik1 orcid id logo, Patrycja Rozwadowska1 orcid id logo, Karol Wielgus5 orcid id logo 1Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland 2Prof. K. Gibiński University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland 3The Hospital of the Bonifratres of St. John Grand in Cracow, Poland 4Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland 5Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland download article (pdf) rybakjak@gmail.com ABSTRACT Introduction and purpose: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze the key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with the development of lung cancer and to discuss existing prevention strategies. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using the "PubMed" database with the keywords "lung cancer", "lung cancer risk factors", "lung cancer prevention”. Results: Lung cancer risk factors can be divided into two groups: modifiable and non-modifiable. Modifiable risk factors include: smoking, radon, diet, chronic lung diseases, asbestos and diesel fumes. Non-modifiable risk factors include: age, race, genetic factors and gender. In primary prevention of lung cancer it is important to reduce exposure to risk factors, especially cigarette smoke. Screening using low-dose computed tomography plays a major role in secondary prevention. Conclusion: Lung cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors. Over the years, enormous progress has been made in the fight against lung cancer. Despite a large reduction in smoking prevalence, cigarette smoking remains the most important risk factor of lung cancer. Several other factors have been identified, with e.g. asbestosis exposure and air pollutants being among top-5 risk factors with the highest impact. Effective methods of primary and secondary prevention such as health campaigns and screening tests have led to a reduction in the incidence of lung cancer. Smoking cessation and low-dose chest CT screening were proven to be the most effective in the lung cancer prevention. However, lung cancer remains the most common cause of death in cancer patients so further research and effective and practical public health policy are crucial in decreasing incidence and mortality.