2023-09-28 12:00:00
Title: Steps of Strength Event Aims to Raise Awareness and Understanding of Lung Cancer
Subtitle: Lung Cancer Continues to Pose a High Global Incidence and Public Health Burden
(Date)
(World) – Lung cancer remains a global health concern with a high incidence and significant mortality rate. According to the latest GLOBOCAN data in 2020, there are over 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths reported annually due to this disease, leading to substantial loss of lives. Additionally, lung cancer poses a considerable burden on public health, the economy, and society as a whole.
In light of the alarming statistics, the Cancer Network Foundation, also known as the Thai Cancer Society (TCS), recently organized a significant event called Steps of Strength. This event, which focused on raising awareness about lung cancer, was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Takeda (Thailand) Company Limited. The primary aim of the event was to familiarize society with general knowledge about lung cancer, including its diagnosis and treatment processes, while dispelling common misconceptions. By equipping patients and caregivers with accurate information about lung cancer, the event sought to ensure timely and precise entry into the treatment process.
The prevalence of lung cancer can be attributed to various factors, with smoking being the leading risk factor not just for lung cancer but also for other types of cancer. Secondhand smoking, exposure to cigarette smoke in the surrounding environment, increasing age, and the natural degradation of cells over time, which may eventually lead to cancer cell mutation, are all contributing factors.
Furthermore, recent research has highlighted the potential carcinogenic effects of inhaling PM 2.5 dust, which may further contribute to an increased risk of lung cancer. The disease is categorized into two main types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, with the latter being more prevalent in current cases.
To ensure early detection and effective management of lung cancer, proper precautions and screenings are crucial. The diagnosis process often requires additional tests, such as sputum tests, biopsies, or computerized tomography (CT) scans to differentiate lung cancer from tuberculosis or identify abnormalities. Some patients may remain asymptomatic, and lung cancer may only be discovered during routine annual check-ups or after presenting symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, or lumps seen in lung X-rays. Further tests, including CT scans and biopsies, are then conducted to determine the type of lung cancer, allowing for personalized treatment plans.
While the diagnosis process may take time, it is essential for doctors to obtain clear test results to ensure accurate treatment selection. This includes determining the presence of cancer cell mutations through biomarker tests, which may take approximately two weeks on average. Identifying the exact type of cancer cells enables doctors to provide targeted therapies, such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy, resulting in more effective treatment outcomes. Thus, patients are advised to await their test results before commencing treatment, especially if they only exhibit mild symptoms.
According to Dr. Kunthida Maneenil, an oncologist, the stage at which cancer is diagnosed plays a significant role in determining the appropriate treatment plan. Lung cancer has four stages, with stages 1 and 2 considered the initial phases, where cancer remains localized in the chest or lymph nodes. Stage 3 indicates the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest, while stage 4 involves the spread to other organs like the liver, brain, or bones.
Moreover, proper nutrition is crucial for lung cancer patients. While no specific foods have been scientifically proven to kill cancer cells, consuming a balanced diet rich in protein can support the body’s ability to repair cells and alleviate the side effects of treatments. Patients are advised to prioritize cooked, clean food that includes all five food groups and emphasizes protein intake while avoiding spicy or fermented foods that might trigger diarrhea and interfere with medication adherence.
Sirinthip Khatiyakarn, the president of the Cancer Network Foundation, emphasized that lung cancer can affect anyone regardless of age or gender. The Steps of Strength campaign aims to raise awareness among the general public, urging regular health check-ups to detect any potential lung abnormalities. It also seeks to debunk the myth that a lung cancer diagnosis equates to an inevitable decline in the quality of life. The support group of lung cancer patients demonstrates that individuals with the disease can still lead fulfilling lives.
The Cancer Network Foundation is committed to providing crucial knowledge to patients, their relatives, and caregivers to ensure better disease management. By raising awareness about the importance of screening, the foundation hopes to encourage the public to prioritize regular health check-ups. Individuals interested in learning more can tune into a live video broadcast on the Thai Cancer Society: TCS Facebook page for insightful content on lung cancer.
In the battle against lung cancer, awareness, early detection, and timely treatment hold the key to saving lives and improving outcomes.]
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