By Zainal AS Rashid
A CARDIOTHORACIC surgeon, Dr. Anand Sachithanandan of the Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City, has warned that women who do not smoke may also be susceptible to lung cancer.
Although most cases still involve male smokers, the number of non-smokers, particularly women, is increasing.
Based on his clinical experience, Dr. Anand has observed that 25 to 30 percent of his lung cancer patients are non-smoking women, reports Bernama.
He said, there were a total of 7,686 cases in men between 2012 and 2016, with an Age-Standardised Incidence Rate (ASR) of 13.2 per 100,000 of the population. During the same period, there were 3,570 cases in women with an ASR of 5.9 per 100,000 of the population.
Dr Anand said, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men is lung cancer while it is the second most deadly form of cancer in women. The main factors responsible being air pollution and exposure to second-hand smoke, which are further aggravated by a genetic predisposition.
He said, inhaling polluted air and exposure to second-hand smoke can cause inflammation in the body through the action of chemical messengers known as interleukins. This inflammation can activate previously inactive cancer-causing genes, such as the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutation, in certain susceptible individuals.
Additionally, having a family history of lung cancer increases one’s risk of developing the disease, he added.
According to Dr. Anand, although there is increasing evidence that vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and subsequently increase the likelihood of smoking cigarettes, tobacco smoking remains the primary and preventable risk factor for lung cancer.
He said, inflammation and scarring of the lungs caused by chronic lung diseases may lead to the development of cancer in the future.
The long-term effects of scarring from a severe Covid lung infection are still unknown. Additionally, exposure to radon gas or asbestos is a less common cause of lung cancer.
He said, signs of potential lung cancer that individuals should be aware of include frequent chest infections, an ongoing cough, breathing difficulties, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), pain in the chest wall or back, and unexplained weight loss.
Additionally, less typical symptoms may involve discomfort in the shoulder or a drooping eyelid.
Dr. Anand, the founding president of Lung Cancer Network Malaysia, emphasized the importance of screening on World Lung Cancer Day today (August 1).
He said early detection of lung cancer is crucial as it can be treated effectively with curative surgery, along with a combination of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
-BTS Media
