Imagine being all hale and hearty, but getting a full body checkup "just like that." That's what happened to 26-year-old Rasika Bombatkar, an IITian, who was working as a research graduate in Tamil Nadu, when her life turned upside down. With no past smoking history, Rasika was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung Cancer. Shocked, befuddled and taken aback, Rasika decided to fight it off, nevertheless. (thumb image: @rasikabombatkar)
Initial shock
In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Rasika said, "I remember crying alone in the hospital chapel for an hour. Not because I understood what was coming…but because I didn’t. I had big dreams, there was so much I wanted to do…& here I’d just been handed a word that threatened to take everything away."
After gathering the courage to tell her family. Rasika began treatment. She said, "The treatment was brutal. I lost 10 kgs. My skin broke out in painful rashes. I covered every mirror at home because I couldn’t bear to see myself. Amidst all this, there were nights I’d stay up & wonder, ‘Should I just end it here?’ But, I found slivers of strength–from the quiet corners of my being, & from my family & friends who refused to let me give up."
Silver lining
At the end of the day, Rasika was happy that she did not give up. She added, "And I’m glad because just when I thought it couldn’t get worse–it got better. The tumour had shrunk. I could get surgery. On December 15th, they opened up my chest & removed the tumour from my lung. That day, I felt like I’d won something. Maybe I had."
Looking back, Rasika says, "It’s been 2.5 years since. I may have recovered but the scars? They’re still there. But I push myself with every inkling of hope I have. Some days, that hope looks like dragging myself to yet another scan. Other days, it looks like applying to Oxford…& getting in.
Cancer took a lot from me–my health, the life I thought I was building…
But it couldn’t take my will to fight. My fire to start over. Or the quiet courage that kept me going–even on days I didn’t want to."
Later, Rasika got through Oxford, and is currently working at the World Health Organization.
Why does Lung Cancer occur is non smokers
Smoking, though one of the biggest, is not the only reason behind Lung Cancer. Here are some other factors:
Radon exposure
Radon is invisible odorless gas that naturally emanates from underground sources. The process of uranium decomposition in soil or rocks, produces this gas. The gas enters homes through floor and wall cracks most notably when buildings sit on specific soil types. Due to its invisible and odorless nature, people remain unaware about radon presence inside their homes.
Studies have established that prolonged exposure to radon gas leads to lung cancer development. The yearly lung cancer deaths in the United States from radon exposure amount to 21,000 even among non-smokers. Prolonged radon gas inhalation, leads to lung cell damage which results in cancer development.
Second hand smoke
The term secondhand smoke refers to the inhalation of smoke produced by other individuals (especially those who live with you) who smoke cigarettes or cigars, or use pipes. Breathing secondhand smoke repeatedly subjects your lungs to numerous dangerous chemicals, although you do not smoke yourself.
Air pollution
Air pollution occurs from vehicles, factories as well as power plants and fuel burning activities. Long-term exposure to small airborne toxic particles together with gases, poses risks to human health. Non-smokers in areas with poor air quality, experience a rising number of lung cancer cases.
Genetics
Lung cancer origins extend beyond environmental exposure since other factors cause this condition. A person's genes may develop mutations that lead to uncontrolled growth of lung cells in some cases. Research indicates that non-smoker lung cancer patients frequently carry EGFR gene mutations, which are among the most prevalent in this population. The developmental patterns of cancer alongside its reaction to treatment, depend on these mutations. The occurrence of these genetic changes runs higher among women, and individuals with Asian ancestry. Research on genetic factors has led scientists to develop targeted treatments which enhance patient survival rates.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice