The Epidemiology of Lung Cancer- How Much Have We Discovered?

Abstract

Lung Cancer has become a global health burden in the past years due to being the second largest contributor to new cases and the high mortality rates worldwide which is around 1.8 million patients. There are two main histological groups of Lung Cancer, however non-small cell lung cancer is more prevalent and is composed of three histologic subtypes of which adenocarcinoma represents the highest prevalence. It is calculated that the incidence in male is higher than female. Cigarette smoking is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, however, other risk factors contribute to the increasing cases. Studying the epidemiology of lung cancer is essential to establish robust surveillance system and establish policies to reduce this global concern. In this article we will review the epidemiological data, the history of the disease, and the associated risk factors.

Microbial infections as potential risk factors for lung cancer: Investigating the role of human papillomavirus and chlamydia pneumoniae

“…Furthermore, evidence suggest that C. pneumoniae and HPV infections may have a synergistic effect on promoting lung cancer development [65] , [66] . Both infections can independently induce cellular changes and genetic instability, increasing the susceptibility to malignant transformation [67] – [69] . The combination of these infections may lead to more severe and long-lasting inflammation and immune dysregulation, further promoting the development of lung cancer [67] – [69] .…”

“…Both infections can independently induce cellular changes and genetic instability, increasing the susceptibility to malignant transformation [67] – [69] . The combination of these infections may lead to more severe and long-lasting inflammation and immune dysregulation, further promoting the development of lung cancer [67] – [69] . Additionally, C. pneumoniae and HPV infections have been associated with DNA damage and genomic instability.…”

“…Additionally, C. pneumoniae and HPV infections have been associated with DNA damage and genomic instability. C. pneumoniae can directly infect lung epithelial cells, leading to DNA damage [68] , [69] . On the other hand, HPV types 16 and 18 have viral oncogenes that can interfere with cellular DNA repair mechanisms, increasing the risk of genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities.…”