Title: Lung Cancer: A Global Health Crisis and Steps Towards Awareness and Treatment
Introduction
Lung cancer is a widespread disease with a staggering global incidence rate. According to GLOBOCAN data in 2020, there are over 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths each year, making it a significant burden on public health, the economy, and society as a whole. The Thai Cancer Society, also known as the Cancer Network Foundation, is taking proactive steps to raise awareness and understanding about lung cancer through its sponsored event, the Camau Ryfder, supported by Takeda (Thailand) Company Limited.
General Information and Importance of Early Diagnosis
During the Camau Ryfder event, participants engaged in discussions about general information on lung cancer, the diagnosis and treatment process, as well as common misunderstandings surrounding the disease. The primary focus was equipping patients and their caregivers with accurate information to ensure timely and appropriate engagement with the treatment process.
Factors Contributing to Lung Cancer
Smoking remains the major risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for a significant number of cases. However, there are other contributing factors to consider, including exposure to second-hand smoke, aging, and cellular mutations that may eventually lead to the development of cancer cells. Furthermore, exposure to carcinogenic substances like radon gas and PM 2.5 dust has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Precautions and Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Taking precautions and early screening are essential in combating lung cancer. Sometimes, patients with lung lesions or abnormalities may experience confusion during the diagnostic process, particularly when distinguishing between lung cancer and tuberculosis. Additional tests such as sputum tests, biopsies, or computed tomography scans may be required for accurate diagnosis. Regular check-ups and vigilant monitoring of lung health are especially important for early detection.
Treatment Approaches for Lung Cancer
Once the biopsy confirms a lung cancer diagnosis, treatment planning depends on the stage of the disease. Stage 1 and 2 cancers are considered early-stage and are usually localized to the chest. At stage 3, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes, and at stage 4, it may have metastasized to other organs. Accordingly, treatment options can include surgery, adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy. Proper nutrition, focusing on a balanced diet and adequate protein intake, also plays a vital role in supporting patients during treatment.
Living with Lung Cancer
It is essential to dispel the misconception that a lung cancer diagnosis equals a death sentence. Sirinthip Khatiyakarn, president of the Cancer Network Foundation, emphasizes that people can lead fulfilling lives despite being diagnosed with lung cancer. Highlighting the stories of lung cancer patients who are leading normal lives serves as inspiration to others. The Steps of Strength initiative by the Cancer Network Foundation aims to provide accurate information to patients, their families, and caregivers, while raising awareness about the importance of regular screenings in society.
Conclusion
Lung cancer remains a pressing global health concern, causing millions of deaths annually. However, initiatives like the Camau Ryfder event and the Steps of Strength campaign offer hope by promoting awareness, early detection, and appropriate treatment. By arming individuals with accurate information and fostering a supportive environment, we can work towards improving lung cancer outcomes and providing a better future for patients and their loved ones.
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“lung cancer” It is a disease with a very high incidence worldwide. GLOBOCAN data in 2020 shows that there are more than 2.2 million new cases per year and 1.8 million deaths per year, as well as many lives lost from this disease. lung cancerIt is also one of the diseases that creates a burden on public health, the economy and society.
To make society more aware and understandable about lung cancer. Cancer Network Foundation (Thai Cancer Society : TCS) organizing a Camau Ryfder event, small steps on the path of living people. ‘lung cancer’ sponsored by Takeda (Thailand) Company Limited. Within the event there was a discussion on the topic of general information about lung cancer. Diagnosis and treatment process and misunderstandings about lung cancer Arming patients and carers with information about lung cancer so they can enter the treatment process in a timely and accurate manner.
Related news
Important factors that cause lung cancer
This is an important factor that leads to lung cancer. One of them is matter ‘smoking’ It is still the main risk factor for lung cancer and other types of cancer. But in addition to smoking There are still other risk factors, such as second-hand smoking (Secondhand Smoke) which comes from exposure.cigarette smokefrom the surrounding environment or aging factors and growing cells in the body that deteriorate over time and can eventually mutate into cancer cells.
Including contact withcarcinogen (Carcinogen) such as radon gas (Radon) or even breathing PM 2.5 dust, which has recent data supporting that it could cause more lung cancer. For lung cancer It can be divided into 2 types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, which is currently more common than small cell lung cancer.
Precautions for ‘lung cancer’
for Lung cancer precautions It is not just a symptom of the disease. but also includes ‘screening‘ There are times when patients are newly diagnosed with lung lesions or abnormalities but there is still confusion in the diagnosis process as to how lung cancer can be differentiated from tuberculosis. The correct answer is to consider it on a case by case basis. Additional tests are needed, such as a sputum test for tuberculosis, a biopsy, or a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Some lung cancer patients may not have symptoms but when they go for their annual checkup, they find a lump in their lung. or lung symptoms such as cough, fatigue, and a lung x-ray showing multiple lumps The next step in the exam is a CT scan, which can provide more accurate information than a normal X-ray, such as the location of the lump. The most important step in diagnosing cancer is a biopsy to determine the type of lung cancer. This allows the doctor to create a treatment plan specific to each individual.
However, the biopsy can take several days depending on the complexity of each case. If you can tell what type of cancer you have immediately after the test, this will be the end of this process. But if the type of cancer cell needs to be separated, it may take another 7-10 days to clearly identify the type.
It will then enter the inspection process. ‘Biomarkers’ (Biomarkers) such as ‘cancer cell receptors’ or ‘cancer cell mutations’ are most often tested in non-small cell lung cancer and take about two weeks on average. Doctors will then be able to choose a treatment specific to that type of cancer cell, such as targeted therapy. Therefore, doctors recommend that patients wait until they have clear test results instead of treatment with chemotherapy. (Chemotherapy) immediately for more effective treatment in patients with mild symptoms and can wait.
Treatment of lung cancer patients
Dr Kunthida Maneenil, an oncologist, said that the first thing when starting to treat a patient is to diagnose a cancer biopsy. And equally important is the stage of the disease, which is general 4 stages of cancer
Stages 1 and 2 are considered initial stages. Lung cancer can be in the chest and not spread anywhere. But when it enters stage 3, it may have spread to the lymph nodes in the center of the chest. When it comes to stage 4 lung cancer, it has spread to other organs such as the liver, brain or bones.
“Therefore, it can be seen that the stage of the disease affects treatment planning decisions. In addition to waiting for the biopsy results, there should also be a CT scan or X-ray image to assess the stage of the cancer and plan the correct treatment. If this is the initial stage, we will start with surgery first, followed by adjuvant treatment with drugs, which are mainly 3 types: chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy. (Immunotherapy) we have to look at which patients each type of drug is suitable for.”
Another issue that patients must pay close attention to is nutrition. Always be aware of what is edible. What can’t be eaten? Currently, there are no studies that support that food can kill cancer cells. But there are food groups that strengthen the body to make it easier to go through the treatment process, such as ‘protein’ which helps to repair cells in the body from the side effects of various medicines. Therefore, during cancer treatment patients should eat clean, cooked food that includes all 5 food groups and emphasize protein. But you should avoid spicy or fermented foods that could cause diarrhea to the point where you can’t take the medicine.
Everyone has a chance of getting lung cancer.
Sirinthip Khatiyakarn, president of the Cancer Network Foundation, said everyone has a chance of getting lung cancer. No matter what gender Or how old you are? And we want to say that having lung cancer can still lead a good life. Having cancer is not the same as dying. We would like to show an example through the group of lung cancer patients who are currently living that they can still lead normal lives.
This is the origin of the work Steps of Stength, small steps on a living path. “Lung cancer” That arose from the Cancer Network Foundation’s intention to provide information to patient groups. relatives and carers to deal with the disease correctly Including raising awareness of how important screening is to society. From people who are interested in good content About lung cancer, you can click here to watch a live video broadcast on the Thai Cancer Society Facebook page : TCS.
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