Is Small Cell Lung Cancer Preventable? 

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is known as an aggressive form of lung cancer, that grows and spreads rapidly. According to the National Cancer Institute, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 10-15% of all lung cancer cases in the United States*. It is the most common type of lung cancer in smokers but can also occur in non-smokers.   

SCLC is of two types- limited stage and extensive stage. Limited-stage SCLC is confined to one side of the chest, while extensive-stage SCLC spreads to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, or bones, reducing the chances of survival. But being aware of the symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment to increase the chances of recovery and improve quality of life.  

Common Symptoms of Small Cell Lung Cancer  

The following are some of the symptoms that individuals may experience at the early stage of small-cell lung cancer:   

• Vigorous coughing   
• Shortness of breath   
• Chest tightness & pain   
• Wheezing   
• Excessive fatigue   
• Unexplained weight loss   

In the advanced stage of SCLC, the following symptoms can be visible:   

• Coughing up blood   
• Swelling of neck & face   
• Hoarse voice   
• Difficulty in swallowing   

Diagnosis and Treatment   

Small cell lung cancer is typically diagnosed with a combination of different procedures including imaging tests, a physical examination, and a biopsy.    

• Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, and PET scan, are used to confirm the presence of a tumor and identify its size and confirm location.    
• Healthcare providers generally recommend physical examination to check for any signs of cancer like enlarged lymph nodes.  
• With the help of a needle, a small sample of tissue from the tumor is removed during the biopsy test and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of SCLC.    

The treatment options for small-cell lung cancer usually involve a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It depends on the stage of cancer and the overall health condition of individuals.    

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to treat cancer if it has spread to other organs of the body. On the other hand, surgery is recommended to remove the tumor, but it is not always necessary in the case of SCLC.     

How to Prevent Small Cell Lung Cancer 

1. Quit smoking   

Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer as it is the biggest risk factor for this cancer. Even 10–15 years after quitting, it is impossible to reverse some DNA changes in the lung cells which may raise the risk of lung cancer. However, the risk of smoking-related lung cancer decreases significantly soon after a smoker quits.   

If an individual is trying to quit smoking, the following measures can help:   

• Identify situations or activities that trigger cravings and avoid them as much as possible.  
• Take nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.   
• Seek professional help or take medication if required  

2. Reduce exposure to radon   

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths every year. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes and other buildings through the soil. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk of small-cell lung cancer.  

To reduce radon exposure, the EPA recommends routine testing homes for the gas. The following radon mitigation efforts can be effective solutions:  

• Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation of a home to prevent radon from seeping inside.  
• Installing a radon ventilation system to draw the gas out of the home and prevent it from building up inside.  
• Improving the ventilation in a home by using exhaust fans in the basement or bathroom to reduce radon levels.  

 3. Avoid exposure to asbestos   

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the past as a building material due to its heat-resistant properties. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified asbestos as a major public health concern and classified it as a Group 1 carcinogen. These types of elements are known to cause cancer in humans. Exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of small cell lung cancer, as well as other lung diseases such as mesothelioma.  

A few ways through which individuals can avoid asbestos exposure include:  

• Avoid contact with asbestos-containing products or materials, such as insulation, floor tiles, or roof shingles.  
• Remove any damaged asbestos-containing materials from the home as they can release asbestos fibers into the air.  
• Wear protective clothing and use proper ventilation when working with asbestos-containing materials.  

 4. Limit exposure to air pollutants  

Air pollution is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of premature death and disease worldwide. Long-term exposure to air pollution, including both indoor and outdoor air pollution, can increase the risk of lung cancer, including small cell lung cancer.  

The following precautionary steps can limit exposure to air pollutants:  

• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.  
• Reduce the use of wood-burning stoves.  
• Avoid heavy traffic areas if possible and use air purifiers.  

5. Exercise regularly  

According to the American Cancer Society, physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer by improving lung function and reducing inflammation. Adults needs to aim for least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.   

The following are a few effective activities that can help improve overall health:  

• Low-intensity, aerobic exercises, such as running, cycling, swimming, etc. 
• Yoga, Tai Chi, and other forms of mind-body exercise. 
• Muscle-strengthening activities, such as resistance training or weightlifting. 

Consult with a physician before starting a new exercise program.  

Conclusion  

Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive form of cancer and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. In the later stage, when cancer has already spread beyond the lung, it becomes difficult to treat SCLC. Hence, the 5-year relative survival rate for SCLC is comparatively lower than most types of cancer. So, preventative measures are crucial to reduce the risk of this disease. However, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and, therefore it is not entirely preventable. Consult a doctor if you are in contact with any risk factors and understand the early signs of this disease. For any queries or concerns about small cell lung cancer, contact ACTC, one of the best cancer treatment clinics in Florida.  

*Data retrieved from the National Cancer Institute on the number of lung cancer cases in the United States.