Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Matters
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities worldwide. In the Philippines, over 23,000 new cases were reported in 2022, placing lung cancer as the second most common cancer in the country after breast cancer. That same year, nearly 21,000 Filipinos lost their lives to the disease, making it the deadliest type of cancer in the Philippines.
Sadly, many Filipinos only find out they have lung cancer when it’s already in its late stages. Over the years, we’ve lost several beloved personalities to this illness, including Senator Miriam Santiago, vlogger Jam Sebastian, and former actor Patrick Dela Rosa. Their stories remind us how serious lung cancer can be and why it’s so important to take care of our lung health before it’s too late.
Current efforts to raise awareness and promote lung cancer screening are helping more Filipinos detect the disease early. This can subsequently improve treatment outcomes and boost survival rates.
What is Lung Cancer?
According to the WHO, Lung Cancer beings when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the lungs. While smoking is the primary cause, responsible for approximately 85% of Lung Cancer cases, non-smokers can also develop it. Exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, or fumes from booking with charcoal or wood can increase risk.
What are the Early Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Lung Cancer can be tricky to spot, but paying attention to your body can make all the difference. Watch out for:
- A cough that sticks around for weeks or keeps coming back
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easily get tired
- Recurring lung infections
Why Lung Cancer Screening Matters
In many cases, these symptoms start out subtle – the sort of “ubo” or discomfort you think will go away on its own. But that’s exactly what makes lung cancer tricky to detect early. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, especially if they’ve lasted for weeks, don’t ignore them.
Early detection can save lives, and getting screened is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Who is Eligible for a Lung Screening
Lung Cancer screening is generally recommended for people who have a higher risk of developing the disease. Although smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, screenings aren’t just for smokers.
Here’s a simple guide based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you determine if you may need one:
- Adults aged 50 and above who smoke or used to smoke.
- Those with 20 “pack years” or longer smoking history. “Pack years” is calculated by multiplying the number of cigarette packs you smoke per day by the number of years you’ve smoke.
- Former heavy smokes who quit within the last 15 years
- Individuals who are healthy enough to undergo possible follow-up tests or treatment if something unusual is found.
- Those who have family history of lung cancer, live or work in places with asbestos, air pollution, or secondhand smoke, or have chronic conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
How to Prepare for your Lung Screening
- Inform your doctor if you’re not feeling well. If you’re recovering from a respiratory infection, your doctor may suggest rescheduling your scan to ensure clearer, more accurate results.
- Remove metal items before the scan. You’ll be asked to take off jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures before the scan, as metal can interfere with the imaging.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal parts. Choose outfits without zippers and metal snaps, or underwires. If you’re clothes have metal, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown for procedure.
Why You Shouldn't Fear It
Lung Cancer Screening is conducted with a low-dose CT scan of the chest. This is an easy, fast and painless screening that is non-invasive.
What Happens During a Lung Screening
Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
- You’ll be asked to remove any metal items before entering the CT scan room
- You’ll lie on the table that slides into a donut-shaped scanner
- The Machine will take images of your lungs from different angles – you may hear soft clicking sounds.
- The technician will talk to you through a microphone and may ask you to breath in, out or hold your breath briefly.
- The scan only takes a few minutes, and you can return to your normal activities afterward.
- A Radiologist will review the images, and your doctor will discuss the results once they’re ready.
- Results are usually available within a few days.
Final Thought
Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer in the Philippines, claiming thousands of lives each year. The early signs may seem harmless – a cough that lingers, shortness of breath, or constant tiredness. Because of this, many Filipinos are diagnosed only when the disease has already progressed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With awareness, regular checkups, and screenings, lung cancer can be detected early.
This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, schedule a checkup with pulmonologist at Care Center Clinic, a Philhealth YAKAP-accredited medical clinic, to asses your lung health and risk factors. If needed, your doctor may recommend a lung cancer screening.
Philhealth YAKAP members can avail of free lung cancer screening in the Philippines.
Early detection helps save lives – and it could save yours.