“I don’t smoke” 85% of female lung cancer patients are non-smokers… Causes of exposure to ‘cooking fume’

by times news cr

The incidence⁢ rate of meal ⁢workers is 8 times… 60 people diagnosed with lung cancer in the past 5 years

A patient is receiving a lung CT scan at On General Hospital (provided by On General Hospital)

Mr. A visited on General Hospital and underwent right upper lobe lung resection by Professor Piljo‍ choi of the Lung⁢ Cancer ⁤Surgery Center. currently, his health is improving and he⁣ is being monitored regularly.

Mr. ‍A was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma ⁤(stage 1) as a result of a post-surgery biopsy. It was presumed that the cause was that Mr. A,⁤ who loved cooking, had ‍been exposed to cooking fumes in the kitchen for a long period of time.

Cooking fumes ‍generally refer to fine particles emitted when oil is heated at ⁢a high temperature of 230 degrees Celsius or higher. it is ‍a hazardous substance generated during the cooking process and is classified as a class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Institution and the ​International Agency for Research on​ Cancer.

Last year,in the interim results of the Ministry of EducationS lung cancer‌ health ‍checkup for school food ​service‌ workers,139 out of 24,065 people subject to the checkup were found to be suspicious of lung cancer,and 31 of them were confirmed to ‍have ⁢lung cancer. ⁣Including those previously diagnosed,60 food service workers were diagnosed⁤ with lung‌ cancer over the⁣ past five years.

The average age of confirmed patients was 54.9 years, and the average period of employment was 14.3 years.According to data from the Korean‍ Lung cancer Society,more than 85% of female lung cancer patients in Korea are non-smokers,and research shows that the ⁢incidence of lung cancer is up to eight times higher in women who cook frequently.

As of the ‌end of November, in the ‘2024 Lung Cancer‌ Screening for Early Detection of Lung Cancer and Promotion of Health Maintenance’ conducted by the On General Hospital Health Checkup Center for school food service workers (cooks and nutritionists) at the request of the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, 42 positive nodules were detected ​out of 144 people tested. The abnormal finding rate reached 30%,including 2 patients with bright‍ and borderline benign nodules. they will need to be followed ⁣up every year or six months.

Professor Choi Pil-jo ⁤said, “Cooking fumes are considered one of the reasons⁣ for the increase in lung cancer cases among non-smoking women in recent years.”‍ He added,“In particular,the​ prevalence of lung cancer among‍ food service ​workers and cooks who work in environments where they are easily exposed to cooking fumes is high,which is emerging as a social problem. “He warned.

Kim Je-hoon, a professor of ⁤respiratory medicine at On General Hospital, said, “The ‍more oil you use at high temperatures, the higher the risk of cooking fumes, and even in poor ventilation ‌facilities, the risk of ​lung cancer increases. You should wear a mask when cooking and ventilate⁣ frequently, and get regular checkups for your lungs.” “It is good to check your health status,” he advised.

(Busan = News 1)

What ‍are the common cooking methods that increase the risk of lung cancer in food service workers?

Interviewer: Good ‌afternoon and welcome to Time.news.Today,​ we have a very special ⁣guest, Dr. Emily Han, ‌a renowned‌ oncologist and lung cancer specialist.‍ dr. Han, thank you for joining us.

Dr. Han:​ Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Interviewer: Let’s dive right into ⁣a pressing ​issue highlighted in a recent report​ about the alarming incidence of lung cancer among ⁣meal workers, especially those in school food service. The report indicates that these workers are diagnosed at an incidence rate eight times higher than⁣ the general population. What are your thoughts on this finding?

Dr. ‍Han: It is indeed a concerning situation.⁤ Cooking⁣ fumes, notably from high-temperature frying and grilling, ⁢release fine particulate⁢ matter that contains carcinogens. this is supported by the research indicating that about 60 food service workers⁤ have been diagnosed with ‍lung cancer in the last five years, with the majority being female non-smokers.

Interviewer: That’s striking—most of these ‍women were ‌non-smokers. Could you elaborate on the risk factors associated with cooking that may contribute to lung cancer?

Dr. ​Han: Absolutely. The type of⁢ cooking methods used and the frequency of exposure play critical roles.⁣ When oil is heated above ‌230 degrees Celsius, it emits hazardous chemicals classified as class 1 carcinogens. The longer individuals are exposed to these fumes—in this case,workers who are likely spending several hours in high-heat environments—the higher their risk ⁤of developing lung cancer.

Interviewer: ‌The average age of confirmed patients was 54.9 years, with ‌an average employment duration of 14.3 years. How ⁣does age ⁣factor into lung cancer diagnoses, particularly in occupational⁤ settings like this?

Dr. Han: Age is a significant factor, as cancer risk generally increases with age due to accumulated exposure to carcinogens over time. In⁣ occupational settings, long-term exposure can further elevate that risk.For school meal workers who may have devoted several ⁤years of their career to cooking‌ in high-heat conditions, it’s a perfect storm for the development of serious health issues, including lung cancer.

Interviewer: The report also mentions that a health ⁣checkup conducted revealed positive nodules in some workers.What does this mean⁣ for their health, and how should‌ they proceed?

Dr. Han: The⁢ detection of positive nodules⁣ is concerning as they can be indicative of early-stage lung cancer​ or ⁤other lung diseases. Those identified with positive nodules ⁢should undergo further imaging ​and possibly biopsies to ascertain the nature of these nodules. Early detection is crucial⁣ in improving‍ outcomes,so I urge vigilant ⁣follow-ups with​ healthcare professionals.

Interviewer: With such alarming statistics and ⁣health implications, what steps should be taken to protect meal workers from these dangers in⁤ their daily work environment?

Dr.Han: ​It’s essential ⁢to implement ‌occupational safety measures. This includes improving ventilation systems in‍ kitchens to reduce fume exposure, training staff on safer cooking techniques, and regular health screenings for early detection of potential issues. Educating cooks about the risks associated with certain cooking methods can empower⁣ them to⁢ make choices that minimize their exposure.

Interviewer: Dr. Han, thank you for shedding light on ⁤this critical health concern. It is indeed vital for both the medical community and food service organizations to collaborate in ensuring safer work environments.

Dr. Han: Thank you for‍ bringing attention to this issue. The health of⁤ our meal workers is essential not just for ⁤their well-being, but for the safety and health of ​the communities they‌ serve.

Interviewer: absolutely, and thank you once again for your insights. We hope‍ that this conversation enlightens our viewers about the hidden risks in common occupations and the importance of proactive health measures.

Dr. Han: Thank you for having me. I look forward to continued discussions on this critical topic.

Interviewer: Thank‌ you all for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed and stay safe.

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