Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

It is the most common cancer. Lung cancer accounts for 11.1% of all diagnosed cancers^[1]. It is a relentless leader – lung cancer is responsible for 20,6 % of all cancer deaths (more than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined)^[1]. In other words, it is very difficult to cure, so (for now) the best way to fight it is prevention. Often, lung cancer symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, so regular check-ups are essential. We will discuss how to tip the statistics in your favor later.

Classification

Main types of lung cancer:

Small cell lung carcinoma: a very aggressive, rapidly growing form of lung cancer, accounting for up to 20% of lung cancer cases. It can be effectively treated with anticancer drugs and radiotherapy, but often recurs.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma: the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases.

Other neuroendocrine lung tumors: these are a rare type of cancer. They are usually slow-growing cancerous tumors that can often be cured.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms directly depend on the type of cancer and its location in the lungs. It is important to understand that in early stages, up to 2–6 % of people experience no symptoms at all, making preventive screening vital.

1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

This is the most common form (85 %), whose signs are often related to respiratory tract irritation.

2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

This is a more aggressive form that more often presents with systemic changes and specific syndromes.

Causes of lung cancer

What cancer is and what its causes are known (inherited genes account for only a very, very small part^[2]). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (International Agency on Research on Cancer) has compiled a list of carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). The causes of lung cancer are quite simple and can be divided into two groups:

1. SMOKING – responsible for nearly 80-90% of lung cancer cases! Yes, the harm of smoking to the body is enormous… Moreover, if you smoke, you are at risk not only for cancer, as smoking also affects the heart, blood vessels, the brain, and the entire body…

According to statistics, if the 'smoking prevention system' worked effectively, lung cancer could be reduced by as much as 90%! So why doesn't it work as it should? For example: a natural disaster somewhere in an exotic country (flood, earthquake, etc.), a hundred people die, what happens? – the whole world donates money, military, teams, and the Red Cross go to help, food is sent, it is broadcast on the news, discussed on the radio, newspapers, and other mass media.. 'A huge disaster' – the headlines read… But what is that hundred dead compared to 2 million people who die annually from (just) lung cancer? Why isn't anyone sounding the alarm? According to statistics, one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Is that normal (considering that it has long been known what causes cancer)?

What is the proposed system for reducing smoking? The scare system: if you smoke, you will get cancer (or another disease). History proves that such a scare system does not work. Do you know why? Because it causes stress! And what does a smoker do when under stress? – they go for a smoke. Even now, that smoker reading this text already feels a desire somewhere in their throat inviting them to take a drag, just one puff… The smoker logically sees that the only way to stay healthy is to quit smoking, which again causes immense stress and the desire only intensifies. Unlike 'recognized smoking cessation programs', we do not recommend patches, candies, or any other substitutes, because they only maintain your addiction. Look into the "easy way to quit smoking" and stop smoking without stress. Books in Lithuanian are also sold in bookstores.

2. Other materials harmful to your lungs cause the remaining 10% of cancer cases. Asbestos, coal tar products, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromate, radon gas, construction dust, wood dust, dust of any origin, diesel engine exhaust fumes… And air pollution!^[3] Yes, life expectancy in the countryside is significantly longer than in the city. Car exhaust fumes contain substances that cause cancer and are included in the list of carcinogens. If you live in a city center, seriously consider whether 'jogging' will be good for your health… Pollution is not just car exhaust fumes, it is also the enormous scale of modern industry, therefore, as a community, it is necessary to participate and look for 'greener' production process methods, and individually, it would certainly be advisable to assess the pollution around your home (or work) and perhaps consider the possibility of exchanging that apartment in the city center for a small house near the city.

How is lung cancer diagnosed

First, a chest X-rayis performed. This test is quite accurate in diagnosing lung cancer. In lung cancer, very rarely are no changes found on a chest X-ray (only 2% of all cases). Regardless of the nature of the findings on the chest X-ray, patients are recommended to undergo a computed tomography of the chest with intravenous contrast material. To check for metastases (spread of cancer to other organs), other tests may be performed: tomography, scintigraphy, ultrasound examinations, sonography, spirometry, thoracoscopy, or mediastinoscopy. The tests, according to the symptoms and the patient's condition, must be selected by a doctor. Interventional diagnostic tests are also used (e.g., bronchoscopy (a tube is inserted into the airways, thus inspecting the airways) or transthoracic lung tissue biopsy).

Lung cancer stages

The stage of lung cancer (determining the extent of the disease) is assessed in order to select the appropriate treatment and possible disease prognosis (survival). The spread (metastases) of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer is described by evaluating the primary tumor (T), lung cancer metastases in regional lymph nodes (N), and distant metastases (M). This yields the clinical classification (TNM). More about lung cancer stages

Lung cancer treatment

Treatment depends on the cancer stage and is selected considering age, condition, and comorbidities. Early stages (up to and including 3A) are treated with surgery, which may be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If surgery is not possible, treatment may be with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Locally advanced disease stages 3A-3B may be treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by surgery. Advanced disease stages with many metastases are treated with anticancer drugs. More about lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer survival

Non-small cell lung cancer survival

Small cell lung cancer survival rate

Is lung cancer curable?

Yes, lung cancer survival prognoses based on statistics are quite grim, but do not give up. After all, a prognosis is not and cannot be zero. You need to ensure you become part of the percentage of people who successfully overcome cancer. Often, this is not a coincidence! No matter if metastases are found in the lungs, the statistics can be "adjusted"^[4]if you are ready to give up harmful habits, balance your diet and lifestyle.

Quality immune support in lung cancer

If you want to help your body heal, reduce inflammation, balance your diet, and strengthen the immune system to recognize and destroy altered cells, relying solely on chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy will not be enough.

Lentinan is a polysaccharide extracted from medicinal mushrooms, which was officially approved in Japan in 1985 as a supportive treatment for oncological diseases ^[5]. Since then, it has been widely used in Asian countries as an adjunctive therapy alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

However, it is important to understand that a single mushroom extract is often not sufficient. Different medicinal mushrooms have different mechanisms of action: some activate NK cells (natural killer cells), others strengthen the macrophage response, and still others act as antioxidants ^[6]. That is precisely why a concentrated multi-extract formula is more effective than individual ingredients.

In addition to mushroom polysaccharides, antioxidant support is also extremely important. Astaxanthin, the strongest known antioxidant, helps protect cellular DNA from oxidative stress, which is particularly intensified during chemotherapy ^[7]. A formula combining mushroom polysaccharide extracts with a maximum dose of astaxanthin provides comprehensive support for the body.

For prevention and support in early stages (I–II), a course of at least 3 months is recommended. In cases of advanced cancer, during active treatment, or during recovery after treatment, specialists recommend significantly longer, unlimited-duration courses with higher doses. The logic is simple – the immune system does not take vacations, so its support should not either. Consistency without breaks is key. The longer and more consistent the use, the more pronounced and long-lasting the results.

Side effects are only possible in case of an allergy to mushrooms (extremely rare).

Also very important: breathing exercises (look into the Wim Hof method) and exercise – do not underestimate the power of physical activity.

Frequently asked questions