Dr. Rajendra Nanavare

Introduction World Lung Cancer Day is observed on August 1, 2023. It serves as a reminder of the global health challenge posed by lung cancer and its impact on millions of lives. The day aims to raise awareness about the risk factors, prevention, and early detection of lung cancer. It also emphasizes the importance of providing support and care for individuals and families affected by the disease. Through campaigns and initiatives, World Lung Cancer Day strives to promote tobacco control measures, highlight the significance of clean air and environmental health, and advocate for improved access to healthcare and advanced treatments. Socially, lung cancer poses several challenges. First and foremost, it deeply affects the individuals diagnosed with the disease and their families. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and lung cancer's high mortality rate places immense stress on patients and their loved ones. Moreover, lung cancer patients may face stigmatiza...

     The main function of the lungs is the process of gas exchange called respiration (or breathing). In respiration, oxygen from incoming air enters the blood, and carbon dioxide, a waste gas from the metabolism, leaves the blood. A reduced lung function means that the ability of lungs to exchange gases is reduced.           Respiratory disease is responsible for a major burden of morbidity and untimely death, and conditions such as tuberculosis, pandemic influenza and pneumonia are the most important conditions in world health terms. In addition, the increasing prevalence of allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contribute to the overall burden of chronic disease in the community. By 2025, the number of cigarette smokers world-wide is anticipated to increase to 1.5 billion, ensuring a growing burden of tobacco-related respiratory conditions.            Respiratory illnesses affec...