2023-11-19 10:00:49
Mexico registers more than 7,500 new cases of lung cancer and 7,000 deaths from this disease each year, experts warned on World Lung Cancer Day, based on data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Organization. of Health (WHO).
X-ray of lung cancer/Courtesy photo
In fact, the lung is the fifth type of cancer with the highest mortality in Mexico, warned a statement from the biotechnology company Amgen.
Between the different risk factors For the development of lung cancer, the bulletin highlighted smoking, but also others such as asbestos aspiration, prolonged exposure to high air pollution and wood smoke.
Precisely, the document added, this last factor is present in 16% of Mexican households, where 35% of the cases occur in women, as well as the arsenic handlingwhich is largely used for the manufacture of fireworks, a profession in some Mexican communities.
In addition, there is a genetic factor, since people with a direct family member with lung cancer have a higher risk of developing this disease.
«Risk factors can be reduced by carrying a healthy life styleavoid tobacco consumption and passive smoking, reducing or avoiding exposure to wood smoke, in addition to maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and, of course, exercising constantly,” said the medical director of Amgen Mexico, Max Saráchaga. .
Within the framework of World Lung Cancer Daywhich is commemorated on November 17, Amgen México pointed out that this type of cancer “is divided into two main types, small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC), the latter being the most common, since “which represents 85-90% of cases.”
No signs or symptoms in early stages
The doctor warned that this neoplasia, in general, does not produce signs or symptoms in the earliest stages.
When the disease is advanced, they may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, bone pain, and headache.
Amgen – an entity with which EFE has a content dissemination agreement – commented that, to diagnose lung cancer in the initial stages, a screening must be performed. thorax tomography to identify irregularities in the lungs.
The company explained that the biomarkers They are biological molecules found in blood, fluids or tissue that provide information about the functioning of cells, the evolution of the tumor, and help predict the possible response of a tumor to a specific treatment plan or the lack of response thereof.
“Currently we have the opportunity to analyze tumors from their genetic composition and this gives us the opportunity to offer new treatment options to people who did not have them before,” explained Saráchaga.
File photo of Amgen’s medical director, Max Saráchaga. EFE/Alex Cruz
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