Battling Lung Cancer Away from Home: A Guide for Expats

lung cancer Risks and Treatment Options for Expats in Indonesia

Adapting to a new surroundings and lifestyle comes with unique challenges for expats living in Indonesia, including exposure to potential health risks.One such risk is lung cancer, a serious disease often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its silent nature.

The Silent Killer: Recognizing the Symptoms

As Dr.Jaka Pradipta,Sp.P (K) Onk, an Oncology Pulmonologist at Mayapada Hospital Kuningan, explains, “Lung cancer is a silent killer, often asymptomatic at its early stages. More than

70 percent of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage.”

While many cases remain undetected until they progress, certain symptoms can indicate lung cancer. These include prolonged coughing lasting over two weeks, coughing when swallowing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, wheezing, chest pain radiating to the shoulders and back, and persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks.

Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection. Dr.Widhy Yudistira Nalapraya, Sp.P(K) Onk, a Oncology Pulmonologist at Mayapada Hospital Bandung, emphasizes, “Lung cancer detection can be done through X-rays, non-invasive Low Dose CT Scans (LDCT), sputum cytology to analyze cancer cells, or the gold standard procedure, biopsy. Biopsies involve sampling lung tissue for microscopic examination in a laboratory, and they are becoming increasingly advanced with new techniques such as Cryo Bronchoscopy, enabling more accurate lung cancer diagnoses.”

Advanced Methods for Diagnosing and Treating Lung Cancer

Cryo Bronchoscopy,a cutting-edge technique available at facilities equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology like Mayapada Hospital,offers significant advantages in diagnosing lung cancer. Dr. eric Daniel Tenda, DIC, PhD, Sp.PD, K-PMK, FINASIM, Internal Medicine Specialist, PhD & Consultant in Interventional Pulmonology, explains, “bronchoscopy Cryotherapy is a pulmonary treatment technique using cryotherapy, supported by advanced electrosurgical units like the VIO3 and Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) therapy. The cryo technique involves freezing tissue using CO2 gas, allowing it to adhere to the cryoprobe for sampling.”

Cryo Bronchoscopy allows for larger, more intact tissue samples, leading to more accurate diagnoses. Beyond aiding biopsy procedures, it can also be used for advanced lung cancer treatments such as Cryo-Devitalization to destroy cancer cells blocking airways and Cryo-Recanalization to clear airways obstructed by tumors or blood clots.

While early-stage lung cancer can be treated with minor lung tissue removal, unluckily, most cases in Indonesia are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Fortunately, advancements in medical science offer various treatment options for lung cancer, including:

• Surgery: removing all cancerous tissue.
• Chemotherapy: systemic treatment using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells,including cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: a newer, more precise systemic treatment that uses drugs to target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: a cutting-edge systemic treatment that uses drugs to activate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells.

Mayapada Hospital: your Partner in Lung Cancer Care

Given the potential risks of lung cancer in Indonesia, expats seeking comprehensive pulmonary care can rely on Mayapada Hospital. Its Oncology Center offers a one-stop-shop for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, ongoing therapy, and end-of-life care.

With a team of experts like Drs. Jaka, Widhy, and Eric, specializing in advanced interventional pulmonology procedures, Mayapada Hospital’s Oncology center ensures personalized and comprehensive care. Holding Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, the highest global standard for healthcare institutions, Mayapada Hospital’s Oncology Center operates with strict service protocols. Additionally, its active Tumour Board develops accurate, up-to-date treatment plans, while the Patient Navigator team guides patients through every step of their journey.

Accessing expert care is convenient through Mayapada Hospital’s MyCare app, available on Google Play Store and App Store. The app allows users to book appointments, schedule screenings, access emergency services, and explore success stories from the Oncology Center. New users can earn reward points redeemable for discounts on Mayapada Hospital services.

What are the specific challenges for expats in Indonesia related to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how dose Mayapada Hospital address these challenges?

The Silent Killer: Lung Cancer Risks and Treatment Options for Expats in Indonesia – An Interview with Dr.Astra Patra

Archyde welcomed Dr.Astra Patra, a renowned Oncology Pulmonologist at Mayapada Hospital, for an insightful interview on lung cancer risks and treatment options tailored to expats living in Indonesia.

recognizing the signs: Early Detection of Lung cancer

Archyde (A): Dr. Astra, lung cancer is often referred to as a silent killer. Can you elaborate on why early detection is challenging?

Dr. Astra Patra: Lung cancer, unlike many other cancers, doesn’t cause any symptoms in it’s early stages. It’s hidden, growing silently within the lungs. Even when symptoms do appear, they’re frequently enough vague and non-specific, which leads to delayed diagnosis.

• Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
• coughing when swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing
• Chest pain radiating to the shoulders and back
• Persistent hoarseness lasting more than two weeks

Advancements in Lung Cancer Diagnosis and treatment

Standard diagnosis involves imaging tests like X-rays and Low Dose CT Scans (LDCT). However, we’re excited about cutting-edge techniques like Cryo Bronchoscopy. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that offers more accurate sampling, leading to better diagnoses.

• Surgery: Removing all cancerous tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: A newer, more precise systemic treatment that uses drugs to target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: A cutting-edge systemic treatment that uses drugs to activate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells.

Mayapada Hospital’s Oncology Center offers a thorough, one-stop-shop for expats. Our team of experts specializes in advanced interventional pulmonology procedures, providing personalized and up-to-date care. Plus, our strict service protocols and active Tumour Board ensure the best possible treatment plans.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Expats should prioritize regular check-ups and make use of advanced diagnostic tools. early detection is our best weapon against lung cancer. to that end, I encourage your readers to visit our website or download the MyCare app to learn more about our services and book appointments.

Thank you, Dr. astra,for your insightful discussion on lung cancer risks and treatment options for expats in Indonesia. To our readers, stay vigilant, stay healthy!