Lung cancer: the global killer

Abstract

Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma,4 is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung.5 This growth can spread beyond the lung by the process of metastasis into nearby tissue or other parts of the body.6 Incidence and mortality attributed to lung cancer has risen steadily since the 1930s, predominantly due to the popularity of cigarette smoking.7,8 Sir Richard Doll and Austin Hill’s landmark article in 1950 described mounting evidence that lung cancer was associated with cigarette smoking.7,9 Number and duration of smoking are directly proportional to incidence of lung cancer.