Why did I get lung cancer after quitting smoking 10 yrs ago?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 58-year-old male, weighing around 154 pounds. I used to smoke earlier, but I quit smoking almost 10 years ago. Still, last year I started having chest pain and a long-lasting cough, and finally, tests confirmed lung cancer, which shocked me a lot.

I always believed the risk would reduce after quitting smoking, so this diagnosis feels unfair. Why did I get lung cancer after quitting smoking 10 years ago? Does damage from old smoking stay permanently, or could there be other causes also?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I understand your fear after being diagnosed with lung cancer, but let me tell you something important. Some people have never smoked and still develop lung cancer, and they are being treated, and their results are very good and normal. Also, some people were smokers and were treated for lung cancer, and they are doing very well.

Do not blame yourself. Having lung cancer does not necessarily mean it was caused by smoking. Stopping smoking ten years ago helps you a lot in your treatment journey.

The second thing I want to tell you is that treatment today is much simpler than before. We now have many treatment modalities that depend on tumor size, stage, and your general condition. We have many options, and all of them are simple and effective compared to before. I hope you feel reassured. Do not blame yourself, and try to start treatment and begin your treatment journey in peace. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.