Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers affecting the population. According to data from the Centre for Health Protection, there were 5,707 new cases of lung cancer in 2022, accounting for 16.1% of all new cancer cases that year . The majority of patients were male, with 3,340 cases in men and 2,367 in women . These numbers reflect the prevalence of the conditions and the urgency in raising awareness about this disease.
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What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lower respiratory tract, specifically in the cells lining the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles. Lung cancer occurs when these cells begin to divide uncontrollably, forming abnormal growths or tumors. Typically, cells divide to repair and maintain tissue. When mutations happen, they cause excessive growth, resulting in masses that interfere with lung function and can spread to other parts of the body, leading to organ damage and breathing difficulties.
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Lung cancer can be categorized into two main types:
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●Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):NSCLC is the most common form, making up 80–85% of all cases globally.
●Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): SCLC is a less common type, accounting for approximately 15% of all lung cancers globally. This form of lung cancer is typically more aggressive and spreads more quickly than NSCLC.
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While both types of lung cancer are serious, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is considered more severe because it grows and spreads much faster than non-small cell lung cancer. SCLC often reaches an advanced stage by the time it is diagnosed, which makes it harder to treat effectively. As a result, treatment options are more limited, and the focus is often on slowing the cancer down and relieving symptoms rather than achieving a cure.
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How Does One Get Lung Cancer?
One of the most critical risk factors for lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which is linked to around 90% of all cases . A smoker’s risk of developing lung cancer can be up to 20 times higher than that of a non-smoker, with an average of 1 in 10 smokers who will eventually be diagnosed with the disease. The danger of lung cancer isn’t limited to smokers alone, as second-hand smoke exposure can increase the risk by two to three times , posing a serious threat to non-smokers, especially in densely populated areas like Hong Kong.
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Poor dietary habits can also increase the risk of lung cancer. A long-term lack of fresh fruits and vegetables can mean the body is missing out on vital antioxidants and nutrients that help repair cell damage and prevent abnormal growth. Meanwhile, a frequent consumption of BBQ or preserved foods introduces carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrosamines, which are formed during high-heat cooking or food preservation.
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The Symptoms of Lung Cancer
The main challenge with lung cancer is that it shows no apparent symptoms in the early stages. The main symptoms usually appear only when the condition has progressed. The common lung cancer symptoms related to the lungs include:
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Persistent cough | A new cough that doesn’t go away may indicate irritation or blockage in the airways caused by a tumor. |
Chest pain | A discomfort or pain in the chest can be caused by tumors pressing on the lung tissue or chest wall. |
Coughing up blood | Small amounts of blood in the mucus could be a sign that a tumor is damaging lung tissue |
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As the lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the symptoms can be different to the ones mentioned above:
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| Bone pain | When the cancer spreads to the bones, patients may feel deep or aching pain, especially in the spine and ribs. |
Headaches | Metastasis (cancer spreading beyond the place it first started) to the brain can cause persistent or severe headaches. |
| Unexplained weight loss | The body is burning more energy as it fights the cancer, leading to weight loss even without dietary changes. |
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The Stages of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer staging indicates the severity and location of the cancer within the body. Only applicable to NSCLC, The staging of lung cancer helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment based on how advanced the disease is.
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Lung Cancer Staging | Characteristics | |
Stage 0 | Cancer is found only in the top layer of cells lining the airways Yet to spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body | N/A |
Stage 1 | Cancer is limited to the lung and has not reached the nearby lymph nodes | 72.4% |
Stage 2 | Cancer has grown and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes | 45.4% |
Stage 3 | The cancer has spread to central chest lymph nodes or nearby structures like the esophagus or trachea | 24.6% |
Stage 4 | Cancer has metastasized to other organs such as the brain, liver, or bones | 7.8% |
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The Lung Cancer Treatment Options
The type of lung cancer treatment mainly depends on several factors, including the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health condition.
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NSCLC Treatment Options
For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), treatment often begins with surgery, particularly if the tumor is localized and detected early. In some cases, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor, or afterwards to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Suppose surgery isn’t an option due to medical risks or the extent of the disease. In that case, Radiotherapy can be used as an alternative option to help control tumor growth and relieve symptoms.
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SCLC Treatment Options
As small cell lung cancer is typically more aggressive and fast-growing, chemotherapy is the main form of treatment. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, radiotherapy or immunotherapy may also be used in conjunction to enhance the overall effectiveness. Surgery is rarely used for SCLC because it is usually diagnosed at a later stage when the cancer has already spread. In rare cases where the disease is detected very early, surgery may still be a viable option.
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Facing Lung Cancer with Awareness and Action
Lung cancer continues to pose a significant health challenge with its high prevalence in Hong Kong and its silent onset and aggressive progression. The disease is particularly concerning due to its deep connection to both lifestyle choices and environmental exposures. From cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke in densely populated areas to traditional practices like incense burning and frequent consumption of preserved foods, the risks are embedded in daily life more than many people realize.
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While the disease can be severe, it is not untreatable. Early diagnosis through screening and awareness of symptoms plays a critical role in improving outcomes. At the same time, advances in surgical techniques and systemic therapies have made it possible to manage lung cancer as effectively as ever.
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Reference:
1.Centre for Health Protection. (2025). Lung Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/49.html
2.Hospital Authority. (N.D). Lung Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.smartpatient.ha.org.hk/en/smart-patient-web/disease-management/disease-information/disease/LungCancer
3.Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Lung Cancer. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4375-lung-cancer
4.Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. (2025). Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6203-non-small-cell-lung-cancer
5.Small Cell Lung Cancer. (2022). Small Cell Lung Cancer. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6202-small-cell-lung-cancer
