Asthma is a disorder that causes the airways of lungs to enlarge and inflame, making breathing difficult. Asthmatics have sensitive airways that react to allergens, irritants, and physical exercise as triggers. These triggers cause the airways to expand, making breathing difficult.
The type of cancer that begins in the lungs and surrounding areas is commonly lung cancer. It happens when abnormal cells in the lungs grow out of control and develop into a tumour. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the two main subtypes of lung cancer. The most typical kind of lung cancer is NSCLC. To know more about the link between asthma and lung cancer, OnlyMyhealth reached out to Dr.Pinaki Mahato, Medical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre from Vadodara, Gujarat.
Does Asthma Raise The Risk Of Lung Cancer
As per Dr Mahato, asthma and lung cancer can be related. People with asthma have a higher risk of acquiring lung cancer. One possible explanation for the link between asthma and lung cancer is that they share common risk factors. For example, smoking is a well-known risk factor for both. Even exposure to air pollution and occupational hazards, such as asbestos and radon, increases the risk factors for both. In fact, inflammation may contribute to the emergence of both asthma and lung cancer. Asthma is characterised by persistent airway inflammation which has been hypothesised that persistent inflammation may encourage the development of cancer cells.
Preventive Measures To Follow
“Asthma itself does not cause lung cancer, but people with asthma may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer due to chronic inflammation and damage to the lungs”, says Dr Mahato.
Here are some preventive measures that may help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer in people with asthma:
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. If you have asthma, smoking can exacerbate your symptoms and increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of lung cancer and improve your asthma symptoms.
Also read: A Complete Guide For Parents When Your Child Has Cancer
2. Avoid Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is involuntarily inhaled smoke from tobacco which is smoked by others. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is important for both lung cancer prevention and asthma management.
3. Manage Asthma Symptoms
Proper taking care of asthma symptoms can help reduce inflammation and damage to the lungs, which may help lower the risk of developing lung cancer. Work with your healthcare provider to develop an asthma management plan that includes medication, monitoring, and avoidance of triggers.
4. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can improve lung function and overall health, which may help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe and effective exercise options for people with asthma.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help lower the risk of lung cancer. Antioxidants in these meals can help protect cells from damage and inflammation.
Also read: 8 Cancer Signs In Kids Every Parent Should Know
6. Get Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your doctor can help detect any changes in lung function or the development of lung cancer early, when it is most treatable.
As per the doctor’s inputs, we can say that there has been a proven correlation between lung cancer and asthma, there isn't a direct cause and effect between the two diseases and patients are advised for routine check-ups with their doctor for early detection of the disease.
