Lung cancer most common cancer can to spread to brain

New Delhi: Lung cancer is the most common cancer that can spread to the brain and create secondary cancer, said experts on Thursday, on World Lung Cancer Day.

World Lung Cancer Day is observed every year on August 1 to raise awareness around lung cancer -- a leading cause of mortality worldwide.

In India, lung cancer accounts for an annual incidence of 72,510 cases, making up 5.8 per cent of all cancer cases and ranking as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, according to a recent study published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health.

The health experts noted that a significant challenge arises when lung cancer metastasizes to critical parts of the body, such as the brain.

"Brain metastases are a prevalent complication across various cancer types, particularly among lung cancer patients," Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, said.

"About 10 per cent of newly diagnosed patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop brain metastases. Lung cancer accounts for 40 to 50 per cent of primary tumours in these cases," he added.

Addressing brain metastases requires a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, neurologists, and palliative care specialists to meet the complex needs of patients.

The primary goals are to alleviate symptoms, extend survival, and enhance the overall quality of life through personalised treatment plans and supportive care.

"Common symptoms of brain metastases include persistent headaches, seizures, cognitive impairments, personality changes, and difficulties with motor functions or speech. These symptoms result from cancerous cells disrupting normal brain function, causing swelling, pressure, and damage to neural pathways," Gupta said.

Lung cancer that has spread to the brain can be treated via therapies such as radiation, and systemic chemotherapy. These interventions aim to manage both the primary lung cancer and brain metastases.

Tobacco smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer in India, contributing to a significant proportion of cases.