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Lung Cancer in Malaysia -Sixth Top Killer in Malaysia

Lung cancer is the sixth top killer in Malaysia. It reported 6,797 deaths in 2010, making it the highest among all other types of cancer-related deaths caused by Colon-Rectum, stomach and breast cancer. Lung cancer, less commonly related to lifestyle habits, is usually associated with smokers and those who inhale dangerous gases like carbon monoxide too often. The cells in your lungs when start proliferating and reproducing uncontrollably. This cause the lung cancer and almost about 1 in 3 people with this condition live for at least a year after diagnosis whereas about 1 in 20 people live at last 10 years after that. However, the survival rate varies depending on how far cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis.

Types Of Lung Cancer

• Small cell lung cancers (SCLC)
• Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)

Stages of Cancer

There are 4 different stages of NSCLC according to the order of severity.

Stage 1:
In this stage, cancer is confined to the lungs.

Stage 2:
In this stage, cancer is confined to a chest.

Stage 3:
In this stage, cancer becomes larger and more invasive.

Stage 4:
In this stage, cancer has spread from the chest to other parts of the body.

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pains
• Hoarseness
• A blood cough
• A headache
• Fatigueness
• Bone pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Repeated pneumonia or bronchitis
• Breathlessness
• Smoking

Risk Factors

• 
  
  Smoking.
  Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked. Quitting at any age can significantly lower your risk of developing lung cancer.
• 
  
  Exposure to secondhand smoke.
  Even if you don't smoke, your risk of lung cancer increases if you're exposed to secondhand smoke.
• 
  
  Exposure to radon gas.
  Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water that eventually becomes part of the air you breathe. Unsafe levels of radon can accumulate in any building, including homes.
• 
  
  Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
  Workplace exposure to asbestos and other substances are known to cause cancer - such as arsenic, chromium, and nickel -also can increase your risk of developing lung cancer, especially if you're a smoker.
• 
  
  The family history of lung cancer.
  People with a parent, sibling or child with lung cancer have an increased risk of the disease.

Side Effects:

• Hair Loss
• Mouth Sores
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Increased chances of infection
• Fatigue
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Diagnostic Tests

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• Chest X-Ray
• Routine blood tests
• Lung cancer screening
• PDL1 (Immunotherapy Tests)
• Lung Cancer Tumor Markers
• Needle biopsy of the lung
• Stages of small & non-small cell lung cancer
• Tumor Marker Tests
• Bronchoscopy
• Low-dose helical CT Scan
• MRI
• Positron emission tomography (PET CT)
• Bone scans
• Sputum cytology
• Thoracentesis

Treatment Of Lung Cancer

• Blood Clots
• Bone Issues
• Chemo Brain
• Dental Issues
• Neuropathy
• Pain
• Rash
• Lymphedema

Preventive Measures

• Avoid Smoking
• Avoid secondhand smoke
• Test your home for radon
• Avoid carcinogens at work
• Exercise most days of the week
• Eat a Diet full of vegetables and fruits

Prognosis and Life Expectancy of Lung Cancer

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