Protection of lungs key to healthy life: Oncologist

Healthy lungs means better chances of quality long life and a cancer specialist who has been dealing with forms and phases of one of the scariest preventable diseases worldwide, has cautioned again that while quitting tobacco addiction is a solution, trashing away all contaminants are among the other measures towards wellness and longevity.

- Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

On whether the lungs are the most fragile of the vital organs, NMC Royal Hospital (Sharjah) Medical Oncology consultant Dr. Abdul Rahman Agha El Kinge described these as "not the weakest, but are certainly among the most vulnerable because unlike the heart or liver which are tucked away and protected, the lungs are in constant contact with the outside world."

Such is the case because "every breath we take brings in not just oxygen, but also pollutants, allergens, infections, and unfortunately carcinogens from smoking."

Which points to the question on whether it is still possible for all ages from the unborn child to the elderly to be spared from lung diseases amidst the reality of continuous rapid modernisation which has led to unstoppable urbanisation resulting in overcrowding.

"Urbanisation and modernisation have changed the air we breathe. Today, our lungs, and the lungs of our children, face challenges like never before," El Kinge replied, pointing out that risk factors to lifelong lung diseases and cancers are air pollution from traffic and industry, indoor pollutants from modern homes, smoking cigarettes, and reduced physical activity.