Although there are currently fast and accurate methods for diagnosing cancer, lung cancer remains a major cause of death among Thai people.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Most early-stage lung cancer cases usually have no symptoms. Later, as the disease progresses, symptoms may start with coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Therefore, individuals at risk should regularly undergo lung health check-ups, especially smokers, as “cigarettes” are the main factor causing lung cancer and emphysema.
Non-smokers Can Also Get Lung Cancer
However, although smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, there are other related factors. Currently, there is no definite answer as to why non-smokers can develop lung cancer, but several studies and research have found other causes that may increase the risk of lung cancer, especially exposure to various substances and chemicals such as
- Radon is a radioactive substance found everywhere. It is tasteless, colorless, odorless, and cannot be detected by any human senses. This substance is the second leading cause of lung cancer in humans, after substances found in cigarettes.
- Asbestos is a carcinogen found in everyday products. The harm and toxicity of asbestos cause lung cancer, kidney cancer, and a cancer called Mesothelioma. This substance is found in corrugated roofing tiles, drainage pipes, floor tiles, ceilings, walls, insulation, hot water pipes, boilers, and various molded plastics.
- Heavy chemicals
- Secondhand smoke inhalation (Second Hand Smoker) and
- Abnormal genetics
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sira Laothai, a thoracic surgeon specializing in lung cancer endoscopic surgery at Phyathai 1 Hospital said…
“Studies have reported that 30-40% of lung cancer patients in Asia have never smoked before, with more than 50% of female patients never having smoked, which is different from European countries where only 10-20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked.”
Increasing Number of Women with Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is not only common in men. According to 2018 statistics from the World Cancer Research Fund International, there were 2 million new lung cancer cases worldwide, and women ranked among the top 3 cancer patients.
Types of Lung Cancer in Smokers and Non-Smokers
The characteristics of lung cancer patients who smoke and those who do not differ. Non-smokers mostly have a type called Adenocarcinoma, while smokers often have Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which is usually found in medium-sized bronchi, typically in the middle of the lung lobes. This type of cancer arises from inflammation stimulation, increasing the risk of cancer development. Adenocarcinoma is usually located at the lung periphery. It has also been found that “lung cancer patients who have never smoked often have gene abnormalities” including EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1, and MET.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sira said…
“The treatment of lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers is quite similar, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery plays a major role in early-stage lung cancer, stages 1 and 2. Nowadays, lung surgery is no longer frightening. We can perform surgery through endoscopy using a technique called “VATS”, which involves a small 3-4 cm incision through a single port, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and quicker return to normal life. For stage 3 and 4 lung cancer patients, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy play a primary role.”
Although lung cancer can occur in anyone, prevention is better than treatment. Therefore, those who smoke or are close to smokers and exposed to cigarette smoke should be aware of the dangers. They should also avoid chemicals or risks that may cause lung cancer, exercise regularly, and eat hygienic food to reduce the chances of developing various cancers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sira Laothai
Specialist in Pulmonary and Thoracic Diseases
Internal Medicine Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
