\Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) recommended the use of Low Dose Chest CT-scan (LDCT) for early detection of lung cancer.
DOH CLCHD Non-Communicable Disease Cluster Health Program Officer II Rizette Musni stated that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is the second most prevalent type of cancer in the Philippines, following breast cancer.
According to DOH data, there were 153,751 cases of lung cancer in the country, with 92,606 deaths, as of 2020.
In connection with this, Musni highlighted the risk factors associated with lung cancer.
Tobacco smoke emerges as a primary contributor to lung cancer, accounting for 69% of lung cancer deaths.
Musni noted that both current and past history of tobacco smoking are considered risk factors, regardless of the magnitude of exposure and the time since smoking cessation.
Moreover, Musni disclosed alarming figures regarding tobacco consumption in the country based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey as of 2021.
Among adults aged 15 and above, 19.5 percent or 15.1 million were tobacco users, with a notable gender disparity of 34.7% among males and 4.2% among females.
For students aged 13-15, the overall prevalence of tobacco use was 16.0% or 1.1 million, with a higher rate among males at 22.2% compared to females at 10.4%.
Apart from smoking, other risk factors included a family history of cancer, with 3.5 times increased risk if relatives had a history of lymphoma, bladder cancer, or head and neck cancer.
Occupational or work-related exposure to recognized lung carcinogens such as arsenic, chromium, asbestos, and others, also contributed to the risk.
Additionally, a family history of lung cancer remained a prominent risk factor, particularly with first-degree relatives affected.
Lung comorbidity illnesses, such as pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), added to the risk profile.
“Currently, most lung cancer is diagnosed clinically when patients manifest symptoms such as persistent cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, bone and/or chest pain, hoarseness, headaches, and unintentional weight loss,” Musni said.
With the rising cases of lung cancer, individuals at high risk or with suspicious symptoms were urged to immediately seek LDCT screening to combat the prevalence of the disease.
“LDCT is the only imaging modality recommended for lung cancer screening. It is a non-invasive imaging test that uses minimal radiation exposure, and it can detect non-calcified pulmonary nodules that may be suspicious for lung cancer based on their size and type,” Musni explained.
She stressed that high-risk individuals aged 55-77 with a smoking history of 30 or more packs per year who currently smoke or had quit within the past 15 years; or those aged 50 and above with 20 packs per year smoking history, accompanied by an additional risk factor, are recommended for annual LDCT screening.
The use of LDCT as a screening modality demonstrated a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals based on the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST).
As such, Musni also highlighted the benefits of LDCT screening, which include improved quality of life, reduced disease-related and treatment-related morbidity, healthier lifestyles, and alleviated anxiety and psychosocial burden.
“Don’t wait for the complications to occur. Seek early consultation, stop smoking, and practice a healthy lifestyle to prevent lung cancer,” she furthered.
For inquiries or scheduling of LDCT screening, individuals may coordinate with the nearest health center in their respective areas. (MJSC/MAECR-PIA 3)