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Not starting smoking is the best prevention against lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. In Singapore, lung cancer had the highest mortality rate among males (3,809 deaths) in 2010-2014 and the second-highest rate, behind breast cancer, among females (1,912 deaths), according to the National Registry of Diseases Office.

There are three main reasons for lung cancer’s high mortality rate, according to Dr Toh Chee Keong, Senior Consultant in the National Cancer Centre Singapore’s Division of Medical Oncology. Said Dr Toh, “Firstly, most lung cancers – about 70 per cent – present with advanced stage disease. Secondly, of the lung cancers diagnosed at an early stage which have undergone surgery, about 20 to 30 per cent relapse. Lastly, the survival of advanced stage 4 lung cancer has improved with newer treatment/medications but, on the whole, it is not good enough yet.”

Causes and risk factors of lung cancer

Lung cancer, which occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both lungs, can take years to develop. It typically affects individuals over the age of 40.

Tobacco smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Your risk of developing lung cancer rises with the number of years and cigarettes you smoke. However, if you stop smoking, your risk decreases after some time. For example a year after quitting, your risk of smoking-related heart attack is reduced by 50 per cent.

Non-smokers who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are also at risk of developing lung cancer.

“Not starting smoking is the best prevention against lung cancer,” says Dr Toh. But he adds, “There are still unknown risk factors, as a significant proportion of our lung cancer patients do not smoke.”

Other risk factors include:

  • Family history of lung cancer

  • Exposure to chemicals, e.g. asbestos, chromium, nickel, arsenic, vinyl chloride

  • Exposure to coal products, radon gas and mustard gas

Symptoms of lung cancer

In its early stages, lung cancer typically doesn’t have any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, the cancer is likely to be at an advanced stage. Some common lung cancer symptoms include:

  • Persistent cough

  • Blood in phlegm

  • Hoarse voice

  • Shortness of breath, wheezing

  • Bone pain

  • Poor appetite

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Headache

How is lung cancer treated?

There are two general types of lung cancer – small cell lung cancer (occurs in heavy smokers and is less common) and non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment is based on the type and stage of lung cancer and your overall health. It usually consists of a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In some cases, targeted therapy, which involves newer drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, may be recommended.

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