Lung Cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men and the third most common for women. Lung Cancer is a malignant growth sometimes called a neoplasm, tumour, or malignancy, which arises from the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body causing secondary growths called metastases. Cancers arising in other parts of the body can also spread to the lungs, and these are called lung secondaries or pulmonary metastases. Our bodies our made up of tiny cells which normally repair and reproduce themselves. Sometimes, however, they develop in an abnormal way, forming lumps which are then called tumours.
Lung cancer arises as a result of permanent changes to cells lining the bronchial airways.
The most common cause of these changes is inhalation of tobacco smoke. Less commonly, exposure to asbestos, marijuana smoke, and a number of other chemicals can cause some people to develop cancer for no obvious reason. In its early stages, lung cancer usually causes no noticeable symptoms. The cancer can also release substances that reduce appetite and cause weight loss with tiredness. Unless detected and treated early, lung cancer will eventually spread to other parts of the body, and this can cause further problems such as abnormal lumps, organ failure, and pain.