She doesn't smoke or cook and still suffers from cancer! "There are more people with lung cancer in Taiwan than non-smokers than smokers"? Doctors reveal 8 high-risk groups
She doesn’t smoke or cook and still suffers from cancer! Are “non-smokers” the majority of Taiwan’s lung cancer population?
Even if you don’t have the habit of smoking, and you don’t even cook often and are exposed to oil fumes, you may still be at risk of lung cancer? Dr. Zheng Naiyuan, the general director of Lian’an Preventive Medicine Institution, said that he had previously treated a 39-year-old female patient. She did not smoke and rarely cooked. She always took public transportation when going out, and even had the opportunity to be exposed to the exhaust gas of automobiles and motorcycles. It was very rare. Unexpectedly, during the employee’s health examination, it was discovered that there were 0.5 cm ground glass nodules in the lungs.
Dr. Zheng Naiyuan pointed out that the patient was later further referred to the hospital for surgery. After the nodules were removed, it was confirmed to be stage 1 lung cancer, which was a clinically defined early detection case. Lung cancer, known as the silent killer, is often ignored because its early symptoms are not obvious. Many people even think that as long as they do not smoke or come into contact with oil fumes, there is no need to worry. In fact, according to cancer registration data, among the Taiwanese population suffering from lung cancer, non-smokers are more likely than smokers. We urge the public not to ignore the risks of lung cancer.
The most deadly cancer! Is lung cancer often in the final stage when it is discovered?
According to the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration’s 2022 Cancer Report, cancer has been the top ten cause of death in Taiwan for nearly 40 years, and lung cancer ranks first among cancer mortality rates. Dr. Zheng Naiyuan said that due to smoking, chronic lung disease and other reasons, the incidence of lung cancer has always been high, and the mortality rate has remained high. Common lung cancers in Taiwan are mainly lung adenocarcinoma or squamous epithelial lung cancer, and nearly 70% of them are lung adenocarcinoma.
Dr. Zheng Naiyuan explained that according to statistical data, in the 13 years from 2002 to 2014, the number of patients with lung adenocarcinoma increased 2.4 times, and the proportion of lung adenocarcinoma in women increased from 33% to 41%. Because the early symptoms of lung cancer are not obvious, by the time symptoms develop, it is often in the third or fourth stage. In addition, the disease metastasizes quickly and the mortality rate is high. Therefore, it has a huge impact on the health of Taiwanese people.
Smokers reduce the number of cancer cases but soar! Lung cancer is not only related to smoking and second-hand smoke
The current general consensus in the medical community is that “smoking” is one of the biggest causes of lung cancer. What is strange is that although the smoking population continues to decline due to anti-smoking measures and changes in social atmosphere, the number of lung cancer deaths in Taiwan remains high. Dr. Zheng Naiyuan reminds that just because you don’t smoke, you should never think that you are fine. In particular, the following high-risk groups should be screened regularly:
Smokers: Regardless of pipes, cigars, or e-cigarettes, as long as they come into contact with tobacco products, the risk of lung cancer will increase significantly. The risk of lung cancer for long-term smokers is more than ten times that of non-smokers.
People exposed to second-hand smoke: According to data from the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, long-term exposure to second-hand smoke from partners or family members of never-smokers will increase their risk of lung cancer by 20-40%.
Family history of lung cancer: People with a family history may have innate genes that are less protective of the lungs, or may have been exposed to the same carcinogens as family members for a long time, thus leading to a higher chance of developing lung cancer than ordinary people.
Infectious/non-infectious lung diseases: Patients who have ever had lung diseases will have an increased chance of developing lung cancer.
People over 40 years old: Regardless of gender, anyone over 40 years old should pay attention to whether they may suffer from lung cancer.
HIV patients: People infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have low immunity and are therefore unable to monitor abnormal physical conditions, which increases the risk of contracting various diseases.
People with poor diet or underweight: People with poor diet and underweight have poor immunity. In particular, people with underweight have a risk of death of 2.4 times higher than those with normal weight.
Radon gas or occupational exposure: Long-term exposure to polluted environments may cause excessive inflammation in the body, increase oxidative stress in the body, or cause genetic mutations.
1 test can accurately detect lung nodules! Doctors revealed that they received public funding to screen “two high-risk groups”
To effectively avoid the health effects of lung cancer, regular low-dose lung computed tomography (LDCT) testing is key. Dr. Zheng Naiyuan pointed out that up to 89% of lung cancer patients screened in the clinic are stage 0-1. It is precisely because of the ability of LDCT to detect nodules of about 0.2-0.3cm, unlike chest X-ray, which can only detect 1cm. The results of the above nodules are very different.
According to the latest LDCT screening guidelines issued by the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration, it is recommended that high-risk groups should undergo regular lung CT examinations after the age of 50. Dr. Zheng Naiyuan added that since most cases of lung adenocarcinoma in Taiwan are diagnosed over the age of 45, and even younger people have a certain proportion of cancers, it is recommended that people aged 35-40 should be aware of screening. Those with no abnormality should be followed up every 3-5 years, while those at high risk are recommended to be followed up at least every 2 years.
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