Lung Cancer: A Nearby Threat Taking the Lives of 40 Thais Per Day

Lung cancer is a serious illness often detected only after symptoms appear and the disease has advanced, resulting in high mortality rates. Risk factors include smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, carcinogenic substances in the workplace, genetic predispositions, and living in environments with pollution and PM2.5 dust particles.

Dr. Sakarn Bunnak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide in terms of incidence and mortality. According to WHO statistics, there are approximately 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths annually. In Thailand, lung cancer ranks second, following liver and bile duct cancer, with 17,222 new cases annually, an average of 48 cases per day, and 40 deaths daily. Lung cancer is categorized into two main types: small cell lung cancer (10-15% of cases) and non-small cell lung cancer (85-90% of cases).

Given the lung's role in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide, advanced lung cancer poses severe risks to life. However, if detected early, the chances of a cure increase significantly. Unfortunately, many patients seek medical care only after the disease has significantly progressed, making treatment more difficult or limited to palliative care.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Air Vice Marshal Dr. Somchai Thanasitthichai, Director of the National Cancer Institute, highlighted smoking and second-hand smoke, including e-cigarettes, as major risk factors. Other risks include genetic predisposition, exposure to asbestos, radon gas (from radium decay in building materials), radiation, incense smoke, wood dust, and air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles containing carcinogenic chemicals.

Warning signs include chronic cough lasting over two weeks, bloody phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, frequent lung infections, hoarseness, chest or shoulder pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are not exclusive to lung cancer and can occur in other diseases, so medical consultation is essential if symptoms arise.

Screening and Diagnosis
Currently, there is no highly effective population-level lung cancer screening method. However, regular chest X-rays are recommended for high-risk individuals. Avoiding risk factors remains the best prevention. Diagnostic tools include imaging (chest X-rays and CT scans) and biopsy to detect cancer cells. Advances in molecular genetic testing help predict disease prognosis and guide treatment.

Treatment Approaches
Dr. Natta Pipopchaiyasit, a specialist in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute, explained that treatment depends on cancer type, stage, and patient health. Options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, often used in combination for better results. For small cell lung cancer, the primary treatment is radiation with chemotherapy. For non-small cell lung cancer without lymph node involvement, surgery followed by chemotherapy is typical. Advanced stages may require multiple treatments, primarily medication-based therapies.

Prevention and Awareness
Lung cancer is a highly severe disease with significant impacts on life. Early detection remains challenging, limiting treatment efficacy. Prevention is key, emphasizing smoking cessation, avoiding second-hand smoke, ensuring clean living environments, using protective equipment in high-risk workplaces, adequate rest, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and periodic health check-ups.

For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute's Facebook page or Line account (NCI รู้สู้มะเร็ง).


Source: 
- ThaiHealth
- ArokaGO Health Library - Lung Cancer Symptoms