Cleveland. – Lung
cancer continues to be one of the most frequent diseases in the region, and its causes go far beyond the habit of smoking. This is confirmed by Dr. Diego Maldonado, a pulmonology specialist at Cleveland Clinic, who warns that multiple risk factors affect the Latin American population, even those who have never smoked.
According to the specialist, in addition to smoking, there are other elements that considerably increase the probability of developing this disease. These include prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants, especially in large cities with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5); occupational exposure to asbestos, arsenic, radon and other carcinogens; family history that could indicate a genetic predisposition; and the prolonged use of firewood for cooking without adequate ventilation, mainly in rural areas.
Dr. Maldonado also calls attention to the early signs of the disease which, because they are common in other respiratory conditions, are often ignored or misinterpreted. Among them, he mentions persistent cough, often confused with bronchitis or respiratory infections; difficulty breathing, which may seem like asthma or COPD; chest pain, frequently attributed to muscular or cardiac causes; and bleeding when coughing (hemoptysis), which, although more specific, can also be related to lung infections.
Regarding medical advances, the specialist highlights technologies that have revolutionized the detection and treatment of lung cancer. Among them, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which allows early detection in high-risk patients; and liquid biopsies, which identify genetic mutations associated with cancer through blood tests, without the need for invasive procedures. For treatment, he highlights minimally invasive techniques such as robotic surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), as well as the use of targeted therapies and immunological treatments, which act on specific mutations or strengthen the immune system to combat cancer.
The doctor also points out that the profile of the patient with lung cancer has changed, as there are more and more cases in non-smokers, partly due to environmental pollution and exposure to chemical agents. Fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants present in large cities are closely related to the development of chronic respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
Finally, the pulmonologist recommends that people with a family history or prolonged exposure to smoke, chemicals, or pollution undergo regular medical check-ups, avoid secondhand smoke, and take preventive measures such as using protective masks in work environments with dust or chemicals, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, exercising to strengthen the lungs, and consulting with a doctor about early detection tests such as LDCT if they belong to high-risk groups.
