Is pulmonary fibrosis lung cancer?

Last week, I went for a routine health check-up, had an X-ray and the doctor concluded that I had disseminated pulmonary fibrosis in 1/3 of both lungs. Is this lung cancer? I smoke about half a pack of cigarettes a day!

(Mr. MH, 45 years old, living in Trang Bom commune)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

First of all, it must be affirmed that pulmonary fibrosis is not lung cancer.

But pulmonary fibrosis on X-ray shows chronic lung damage, it is necessary to assess the level - determine the cause for future monitoring and prevention.

Currently, you smoke, which is one of the leading causes of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, you need to gradually reduce smoking until you stop smoking completely, which will help you reduce the risk of pulmonary fibrosis - the risk of lung cancer/obstructive pulmonary disease > 50%.

Dr. Vo Ngoc Chuong,

Internal Medicine Specialist, Ai Nghia Thanh Phu General Clinic

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202507/xo-phoi-co-phai-ung-thu-phoi-khong-4140668/