Generally attributed as the diseases commonly found in individuals who primarily smoke. The recent development activities has increased the level of pollution in the valley, which has put even the non smokers in risk of lunch cancer.

What is Lung Cancer?
Our lungs are made up of millions of cells, various factors such as  tobacco consumption, pollution, radiation can cause any one of them to get corrupted. This corruption eventually damages the cell genetically. This eventually is what leads to the development of cancerous cells, that effects all the surrounding cells. It acquires two extra-ordinary features once it is genetically mutated. I. Fast multiplication, and II.Resistance. This genetically mutated cell is also capable of travelling to other parts of the body, infecting the organs.
 
What are the preliminary signs of lung cancer?
Normally smokers above the age of 40 are mostly affected by Lung cancer. Children are rarely affected. As the name says, lungs experience the symptoms first causing respiration related difficulties and dry cough, chest pain,presence of blood in sputum, loss of appetite, weight loss, and weakness are some other signs. The fact that these symptoms are similar to tuberculosis, at times misleads the diagnosis, causing a delay in treatment.If the cells have already travelled to other organs the symptoms shown are related to the affected area. 
 
Are all spots seen in a X- Rays cancerous? 
No, all the spots seen in an x-ray are not cancerous. Even tuberculosis leaves a spot on the lungs that can be seen on an x-ray. Other than that various types of infections can also be the reason. But if the spot does not disappear within few weeks of treatment, it is better to check if the patient has cancer. If a patient is a smoker above, the age of 40, it is best to check for lung cancer first before any other treatment.
 
What are the prime causes of lung cancer? And are non & passive smokers also prone to lung cancer? 
Tobacco consumption in any form can cause cancer. Being a continuous passive- smoker can also cause cancer. Even people who are non smokers who are exposed to pollution, medical radiations, and live around radon gas (naturally occurring radioactive gas) can develop lung cancer. 
 
What are the basic precautionary steps one can take to avoid lung cancer? 
The first step, is stopping consumption of any and all tobacco products. Any and all public spaces should be made a smoking free zone, which reduces the impact caused by smokers on non smokers. It is not recommended to smoke in the room, as the general assumption is that once the odour and smoke leaves the room, it is safe. But, many particles still remainin the room. This can be inhaled by members of your family and friends, which makes them vulnerable to lung cancer. Given the current circumstances of the nation, it is recommended to go out with a mask which has a good filter. This isn’t the permanent solution, but it blocks many of the harmful particles from entering the system. 
 
What are the various stages of lung cancer? 
There are 4 stages of any cancer. If the cancer has only affected one part of an organ, it is said to be in the first stage. When the infection has risen and begins to migrate to the lining that borders other organs it is known as, the second stage. The third stage is when the infection breaches the border. If it has already travelled to another organ, the patient is said to be in the final stage.  There are 80% chances of being cured if the disease is diagnosed in the first stage and 50-60% in the second stage. This rate drops to 20% in the third stage. A patient who is in the final stage cannot be cured, s/he is treated only to prolong the life.
 
What are the treatments for lung cancer? Are their any new innovations in cancer treatment? 
If diagnosed early, cancer can be treated. Three major modalities are used to treat any type of cancer. First and second stage cancer can be treated with a surgery. A mixed modality including surgery and chemotherapy is implemented in the third stage. Last stage cancer patients are treated with chemotherapy.
 
We have had a lot of breakthroughs in the field of medicine and one such finding is targeted drugs. Chemotherapy destroys the cancer cell but also affects other healthy cells which in turn makes the patient weak. Targeted drugs pinpoints the affected area, it has been very useful to elongate a patient’s life.
 
Immunotherapy is another such treatment plan. Our body naturally destroys any foreign protein. But cancer cells have their own mechanism to defend themselves from our immunity. They put up a disguise that disables our immunity to see them. Immunotherapy stops the cancerous cell from putting up the disguise. So what it basically does is boost our immune system to fight the cancer. 
 
How effective is chemotherapy in treating lung cancer? What are its success rates? 
Chemotherapy is a completely chemical based method of treatment, it has a success rate of 50-60%. Chemotherapy is done in phases after the first phase of therapy, the cells subside. The second phase is given to the patient if the cancer comes back. Also, even after surgery chemotherapy is needed to destroy the remaining cancerous cells so that it is completely eradicated. 
 
Are their effective methods of treatment in Nepal for lung cancer? 
Any kind of treatment plan can be implemented in Nepal. So it is not compulsory for Nepali patients to go abroad for treatment. Although, some drug have not yet been registered in Nepal, they can be easily ordered from India.
 
For individuals who are in the final stages? What are the various things that can be done to better comfort them? 
Palliative care is the philosophy used to take care of the patients from diagnosis to their final days. This does not completely end even after the patient’s death as the grieving family’s care also falls under it. This includes managing their physical problem i.e. pain, discomfort. This is addressed using medicines and chemotherapy. Their psychological and social issues are dealt with by the counsellors. Even the family member’s psychological state is taken care of.