World Health Organization (WHO) Deciding that May 31 of every year is the World No Tobacco Day. Roche Thailand Co., Ltd. held a press conference on the topic “Did you know you may be at risk of lung cancer? Even if you have never smoked or stopped smoking for a long time?” to encourage the general public to be aware of the dangers and damage to health caused by tobacco smoke. and to enhance knowledge and understanding of prevention, screening and diagnosis. lung cancer The initial phase was a Low Dose Computerized Tomography Scan. The event was honored by Dr. Manoon Leechawengwong, a specialist in respiratory diseases. Wichaiyut Hospital and Dr. Narintorn Surasinthon, a specialist in anti-aging and preventive medicine. Bumrungrad Hospital including patients with early-stage lung cancer who have a long history of smoking and caregivers of lung cancer patients with no previous history of exposure to cigarettes. Let’s share experiences of early screening and treatment of lung cancer.
From the statistics revealed that in the year 2563 lung cancer It has the second highest incidence and mortality rate compared to other cancers in Thailand, with 23,717 new cases of lung cancer, or 65 cases per day on average. In addition, more than 20,395 Thai people 56 cases per day, on average, still die from lung cancer. The severity of the disease in Thailand is ranked 18th in the world because the stage of lung cancer being treated directly affects the patient’s chances of survival. Thailand is still low Especially when compared to developed countries such as the United States, England, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, etc.
Low dose CT scans have been established as the standard guideline for lung cancer screening. Therefore, the challenge in reducing lung cancer death rates in Thailand lies in screening Filter people at risk of lung cancer by increasing access to standard diagnostic tests so that patients can receive treatment from the very early stages. and it is likely that the results will be satisfactory.
Many Thai people still lack awareness of screening. lung cancer As a result, most patients are diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer, which often has a low survival rate. Dr. Manoon Leechawengwong head of respiratory disease Wichaiyut Hospital provided additional information that If diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer or metastatic Patients will have a 5-year survival rate of only 0-10%. Stage 3 or locally advanced stage. Patients have a 5-year survival rate of 13-36%, but if they are diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 lung cancer is the initial stage. Patients have a 5-year survival rate of 53-92%, however, Thailand only detects 15% of early-stage lung cancer.
“People with risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to tobacco smoke. or carcinogenic chemicals Someone in the family has lung cancer. Have a history of other cancers or lung disease Therefore, you should pay attention to the warning signs of health. If you notice that you or someone close to you has the following symptoms Should consult a doctor for lung cancer screening, such as hoarseness, changing voice, chronic cough, cough with bloody sputum wheezing chest pain all the time pain when swallowing frequent lung infections, etc.
In healthy people, they may be more prone to developing lung cancer. Because the causes that lead to this disease are many, including genetic factors such as people with a history of chronic lung disease. chronic emphysema have a family history of cancer that may be hereditary
In addition, an abnormal gene mutation in a person’s body can also lead to lung cancer, with only 20% of these genetic factors responsible for lung cancer. 80% return from behavioral and environmental factors such as smoking more than 20 packs-years, occupations exposed to carcinogens, such as the mining industry plastic industry insulation manufacturing industry would have the opportunity to inhale asbestos or asbestos, nickel, chromium in large quantities Including daily life that has to be exposed to PM 2.5 dust, riding a motorcycle Light incense to pay homage to monks, etc. So, if you find yourself or someone close to you facing a risk You should keep checking your health regularly. and consult a doctor for effective screening methods.
At the event, two patients were invited to share their experiences of early-stage lung cancer screening and treatment, namely Arun Thepkaew, a 68-year-old male, stage 2 lung cancer patient with a history of high risk of cancer. Lungs from smoking 2 packs of cigarettes per day for 13 years and drinking alcohol since adolescence. But it’s been 35 years since I was diagnosed with lung cancer last year.
“See a doctor with a chronic cough. Later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in the early stages. This gave them the opportunity to access treatment in a timely manner and the results of the treatment turned out to be satisfactory. Today, you can go back to living and helping yourself normally. I intend to strictly follow the advice of the doctor from now on. including reducing risky behaviors and avoiding being in various environments that could lead to the spread of the disease.”
Another person is Yot Kusolmanosuk, who takes care of his mother, Kim Tiang Kusolmanosuk, a 72-year-old female lung cancer stage 1 patient who has never smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke. But there is a chance to detect the disease at an early stage.
“Even though I had never smoked and had no signs of danger, my mother used to always pray when I was young. You have also been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. Until 2021, he went for regular annual health checks. Something different every time This time, doctors recommend screening with a low-intensity CT scan of the chest. Also known as Low dose CT Scan because you have genetic and environmental factors that indicate that You may be at risk of developing lung cancer. He immediately entered the treatment process. Looking back, I felt very fortunate. who do not hesitate and recommend that mothers follow the advice of the doctor Because compared to when treating advanced colon cancer more than ten years ago. This time, both you and I are very relieved of the early handling of lung cancer. because there is a high chance of being cured”
Currently, there are 3 different methods of screening for lung cancer: 1) Chest X-ray 2) Computed tomography or CT Scan 3) Low dose chest computed tomography. CT Scan: Dr. Narintorn Surasinthon, a specialist in anti-aging and preventive medicine Bumrungrad Hospital has compared the advantages and limitations of each method Chest x-ray, or chest x-ray, which is often included in the annual check-up list It’s easy and fast. low cost But it’s still not effective enough to screen for small, early-stage lung cancer cells. Computer tomography or CT Scan is much more accurate. But it’s a way to have to wait in long queues. in some hospitals The radiologist’s personnel and equipment are limited.
In addition, the examinee was exposed to high doses of radiation and may experience hot flashes throughout the body from intravenous injection of contrast medium. The low-dose CT scan is six times more accurate than chest X-ray, resulting in lung cancer being detected early. Reduces mortality from lung cancer by 20%. Therefore, low-intensity CT scan is a standard and effective method of screening for lung cancer.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines state that people at high risk of developing lung cancer, including those over 50 and with a history of smoking more than 20 packs-years, should undergo annual lung cancer screening. with low radiation computed tomography While those who may have risk factors or who are health conscious can consult a doctor. to request for screening in this way as well Because lung cancer is a silent health threat. and may lead to loved ones never to return. Therefore, early detection of lung cancer is a blessing. Because patients have a high chance that the treatment outcome will be in a way that is satisfactory. and reduce the chance of recurrence