Preface: Lung Cancer
November is recognized as lung cancer awareness month to educate others about the disease,
support caregivers and patients, and acknowledge challenges and areas of improvement in
treatment and prevention. The lungs are a pair of organs that are central in day-to-day
functioning; they enable our breathing and control the disposal of toxic inhalants, dust, and
carbon dioxide.
Lung cancer is a formidable and often life-threatening disease characterized by the
uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the lungs. It is one of the most prevalent cancers
globally and is strongly linked to tobacco smoke exposure, although non-smokers can also
develop the disease. The disease symptoms can include persistent cough, chest pain, weight
loss, and difficulty in breathing. Early detection is usually challenging, hence contributing to the
often-late stage at diagnosis. Given the cancer type and stage of disease proliferation,
treatment options may consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies,
and immunotherapy. Lung cancer underscores the critical importance of smoking cessation and
ongoing research to enhance prevention, early detection, and treatment modalities.
Smoking Pandemic amongst Adolescents
Pop culture has played a central role in shaping perceptions of smoking over the years, often
influencing societal norms and attitudes. Up until the early 2000s, cigarette smoking has been
deemed socially acceptable even amongst the younger crowds. Consequently, e-cigarettes have
taken the spotlight, and in recent years, you may have (definitely) noticed the prominence of
‘vapes’. Vaping involves inhaling aerosolized liquid, often containing nicotine, flavorings, and
other chemicals, through an electronic cigarette or vape device.
While nicotine itself is not known to cause lung cancer, it is just one component of the complex
and potentially harmful mixture found in e-cigarette vapor. E-liquids, at a minimum, include
flavors, sweeteners, and solvents, all deemed "generally recognized as safe" for consumption as
food. However, when heated and transformed into aerosol form through vaping, these
supposedly safe ingredients can take on different properties, and the inhalation effects remain
poorly understood.
Scientists have identified that vaping deposits a toxic combination into the lungs, potentially
containing:
- Carcinogenic Chemicals: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly present in vapor,
such as benzene and heavy metals, are known to cause lung cancer and pose additional
health risks.
- Diacetyl: While considered safe as a food additive, diacetyl, a butter-flavored liquid, can
lead to scarring in the air sacs when directly inhaled into the lungs, a condition
informally known as "popcorn lung."
- Ultrafine Particles: Inhaling tiny particles deep into the lungs can aggravate respiratory
conditions like asthma and constrict the pulmonary arteries, potentially triggering a
heart attack. Although tobacco smoke also contains particles, vapor often carries them
in higher concentrations.
From a healthcare perspective, vaping is seen as a gateway drug often leading to the chronic use
of tobacco and cigarette smoking. Although the effects of vaping are far from being conclusive,
developing nicotine addiction can develop negative long-term cognitive effects on one’s
memory, attention, and learning abilities. This means focusing during class or throughout tasks
and learning new material can be extra challenging. Chronic nicotine use can also lead to
increased impulsivity, reduced tolerance, and negative effects on memory consolidation – the
process in which memories are stored into long-term memories. Moreover, it is important to
acknowledge the mood-altering properties, and its association with increased anxiety and, in
some cases, a risk of depression.
With this information in mind, what do you deem the verdict to be? This informational blog is a
step in the right direction for you and your peers. It can be overwhelming to get informed about
different drugs and substances, nevertheless, it is important to stay informed about vaping,
which takes the spotlight today.
