Answer:

Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs change and grow uncontrollably. These cells multiply, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. In its early stages, lung cancer often progresses silently with unclear symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, many cases are already in advanced stages, having metastasized to organs such as the brain, bones, liver, or adrenal glands.

Doctor Vu Huu Khiem advises a cancer patient. Illustration photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Lung cancer is not a contagious disease. It is not caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, so it cannot spread from person to person through shared air, talking, close contact, sharing food, or living together.

Cancer cells can only grow within the patient's own body and cannot be transmitted to another person's body. Even if a patient has lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain, there is no risk of it spreading to others through the respiratory tract.

Even if a patient coughs, expels phlegm, or lives in an enclosed space with family members, the risk of cancer transmission does not exist. The immune system of a healthy person will recognize and eliminate foreign cells if they enter the body. Therefore, families of lung cancer patients do not need to worry or be hesitant in daily activities for fear of contagion. The most important thing is to accompany, care for, and provide emotional support to the patient during treatment. If the patient is undergoing chemotherapy, normal contact and care are fine; however, when using the toilet, flush two to three times as chemicals are excreted through feces and urine.

Relatives of lung cancer patients may also have a higher risk of developing cancer due to genetic factors. High-risk individuals should actively prevent lung cancer by not smoking, avoiding passive smoke, limiting exposure to polluted environments, undergoing regular health check-ups, and early disease screening.

Doctor Vu Huu Khiem

Head of Oncology Department

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi