Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths around the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020 alone, lung cancer claimed the lives of around 1.8 million people. Lung cancer is a deadly disease wherein the cancer cells start to develop in the lungs.

World Lung Cancer Day is observed every year on August 1. The day aims to spread awareness about lung cancer and educate people about the disease.

Cleveland Clinic says, “Your cells divide and make more copies of themselves as a part of their normal function. But sometimes, they get changes (mutations) that cause them to keep making more of themselves when they shouldn’t. Damaged cells dividing uncontrollably create masses, or tumors, of tissue that eventually keep your organs from working properly.”

Each year, there’s a theme that is followed to raise awareness about the health condition. This year, the theme for World Lung Cancer Day is “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care”.

World Lung Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about lung cancer which is one of the most common forms of cancer across the globe. The significance of the day is that it aims to educate people about lung cancer, its risks, it prevention and also the symptoms as it can help in early detection.

Broadly, there are two major types of lung cancers; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). While some people might develop any one of these cancerous cells, there are some people who develop tumours that have both NSCLC and SCLC cells.

Most people develop this type of cancer. If this type of cancer is detected early, there are different treatments available and the condition can be cured. Here, take a look at the different types of NSCLC.

Most of the cases of NSCLC starts in the cells of the passages of the respiratory tract which are called squamous cells. This condition is known as squamous cell carcinoma.

In this type of cancer, the cancerous cells usually develop in the outer parts of the lungs. Adenocarcinoma in situ or AIS is a rare condition that develops in the tiny air sacs of the lungs. However, AIS is not aggressive and it might not require immediate treatment.

In this type of cancer, the cancerous cells usually develops in the squamous cells as well as the mucus-producing cells.

This is a fast-growing type of NSCLC and this can’t be classified under other types.

This is a rare form of cancer compared to that of NSCLC and it is a more aggressive form of cancer. There isn’t any possible treatment for this type of cancer other than chemotherapy.

This type of cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure. The cancer is aggressive and fast-growing and also doesn't respond to treatments. Mesothelioma starts when carcinoid tumours develop in the hormone-producing or neuroendocrine cells