Low-dose CT Scan

Medical Article

ควันบุหรี่มือสอง

ควันบุหรี่มือสองอันตราย

ตรวจคัดกรองมะเร็งปอดระยะเริ่มต้น ด้วย Low Dose CT Chest

น้ำหนักลดไม่ทราบสาเหตุ

ผ่าตัดส่องกล้อง (VATS) 

ผ่าปอดส่องกล้อง

ฝุ่น PM2.5

รักษาด้วยการผ่าตัดส่องกล้อง (VATS) 

สูบบุหรี่

อันตรายของฝุ่น PM2.5

อาการไอเรื้อรัง

ไอมีเลือดปน

ทำไม “ไม่สูบบุหรี่” ก็เป็นมะเร็งปอดได้ ? เรื่องใกล้ตัวที่ไม่ควรมองข้าม

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among Thais and worldwide. However, a current concern is the continuous increase in lung cancer cases among “non-smokers,” especially in Asian women, raising the question… if they do not smoke, why can they still develop lung cancer?
&nbsp;
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sira Laothai, a thoracic surgeon from the Center of Excellence in Advanced Surgery, Phyathai 2 Hospital, explains that nowadays lung cancer is not caused by “smoking” alone, but there are many related factors, many of which are closer to us than we think.
&nbsp;
<h2>What is lung cancer?</h2>
Lung cancer is a condition where cells in the lungs grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other organs in the body. Importantly, this disease often “shows no symptoms in the early stages,” causing many people to be diagnosed only when it has progressed.
&nbsp;
<h2>Non-smoker but still at risk?</h2>
Although smoking is the main risk factor, in reality, there are other causes that can also increase the risk.
<h3>1. Air pollution (PM2.5)</h3>
Fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs down to the alveoli, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the chance of cell mutations over time.
<h3>2. Secondhand smoke</h3>
Even if you do not smoke yourself, being close to smokers increases the risk due to direct exposure to carcinogens in the smoke.
<h3>3. Chemicals and environmental factors</h3>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>Asbestos</li>
<li>Radon gas</li>
<li>Smoke from indoor burning, such as cooking smoke or charcoal burning 
These are factors that many people may be exposed to unknowingly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Genetics and gene mutations</h3>
In some patients, especially Asians, certain gene mutations have been found that cause abnormal lung cell growth even without a history of smoking.
&nbsp;
<h2>Symptoms to watch for</h2>
Early-stage lung cancer often has no clear symptoms, but if you experience any of the following, you should see a doctor:
<ul>
<li>Chronic cough or persistent cough</li>
<li>Easy fatigue, difficulty breathing</li>
<li>Chest pain</li>
<li>Unexplained weight loss</li>
<li>Coughing up blood</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Early detection = Higher chance of cure</h2>
The good news is that if lung cancer is detected early, the chance of complete cure is still high. Currently, there are technologies that help detect the disease earlier, such as:
<ul>
<li>Low-dose CT Scan to detect early abnormalities in the lungs</li>
<li>Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) – minimally invasive, less pain, faster recovery</li>
</ul>
This helps patients return to their normal lives faster and reduces complications from treatment.
&nbsp;
<h2>Who should be screened?</h2>
<ul>
<li>People aged ≥ 50 years</li>
<li>People with a history of smoking or former smokers</li>
<li>People living in highly polluted areas</li>
<li>People with a family history of lung cancer</li>
</ul>
Even if you “do not smoke,” if you have these risk factors, you should consult a doctor to assess the appropriateness of screening.
&nbsp;
<h2>Daily prevention of lung cancer</h2>
<ul>
<li>Avoid air pollution (wear a mask when pollution levels are high)</li>
<li>Avoid cigarette smoke</li>
<li>Take care of lung health, such as regular exercise</li>
<li>Get health check-ups and screening according to risk</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
“Lung cancer is not only a disease of smokers,” but it is related to the environment, lifestyle, and genetics that we may not be able to completely avoid.
&nbsp;
Awareness and appropriate early screening are key to increasing the chances of treatment success and reducing disease severity.
&nbsp;
If you have suspicious symptoms or belong to a risk group, it is recommended to consult a thoracic specialist at Phyathai 2 Hospital to assess your risk and plan appropriate lung health care starting today.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sira Laothai
Thoracic Surgeon specializing in Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery of the lungs and thymus
Phyathai 2 Hospital
&nbsp;

Even non-smokers can develop lung cancer due to common risk factors such as PM2.5, secondhand smoke, chemicals, and genetics. Recognizing the symptoms and undergoing early screening significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Why can non-smokers develop lung cancer? A common issue that shouldn&#39;t be overlooked.

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Why can non-smokers develop lung cancer? A common issue that shouldn't be overlooked.

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