More women, never smokers, contribute to shifting demographic of lung cancer
08 Jan 2024
byPank Jit Sin
L-R: Deepti Saraf, Dr Anand Sachithanandan, Dr Jennifer Leong and Dr Caryn Chan Mei Hsien.A panel discussion titled ‘A Breath Of Fresh Hope’ was recently held at Petaling Jaya. The discussion was a collaboration between Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) and Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s pharmaceutical division.
The discussion centered around the rising incidence of lung cancer in nonsmoking women in Malaysia, examining both the social stigma and the medical aspects of this trend. Roche Malaysia’s General Manager Deepti Saraf led the panel, which included Dr Anand Sachithanandan, a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and LCNM Co-Founder, Dr Jennifer Leong, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, and Associate Professor Dr Caryn Chan Mei Hsien, a Consultant Health Psychologist.
One of the key points raised was the shift in demographic among lung cancer patients. While males and smokers continue to make up the bulk of lung cancer patients, women who were never smokers saw a 79 percent increase in lung cancer incidence over the past 5 decades, placing lung cancer among the top three cancers affecting women worldwide, following breast and colorectal cancer. [Available at https://shorturl.at/aefwW Accessed on 12 December 2023]
Another point brought up during the discussion was the importance of enhancing access to diagnostic and treatment options for women with lung cancer, a group often overlooked despite making up a significant portion of the national health disease burden.
Anand highlighted that although less than 2 percent of Malaysian women smoke, lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer among them. He pointed out the general lack of awareness about nonsmoking-related risk factors for lung cancer, such as second-hand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, radon exposure, and family history.
Leong then brought up the issue surrounding social stigma barriers, particularly for younger women, noting that many mistakenly believe non-smokers are not at risk for lung cancer. This misconception can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, reducing survival chances. Additionally, the misconception that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame. The shame stems from society’s perception that the woman must have done something to warrant the cancer diagnosis.
Chan emphasized the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients, often neglected in cancer care, and how extreme emotional states can impact patients’ and their families’ wellbeing. She noted how proper counseling after a cancer diagnosis can affect a patient’s journey. She added it was important for the clinician to use less jargon, and give the patients and family members as much time as they need to process the situation.
Recent advances in lung cancer treatment, especially in the last decade, have changed what was a terminal diagnosis to one that is chronic in nature. The advent of precision diagnosis, next-generation sequencing (NGS), novel therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, bring new hope to lung cancer patients.
The session concluded with a call to action for increased awareness and proactive health measures, such as regular screenings for lung cancer among high risk and even among those who were traditionally deemed low-risk. Deepti summarized the need for improved oncology care infrastructure and equitable access to therapy for women with lung cancer.
The discussion centered around the rising incidence of lung cancer in nonsmoking women in Malaysia, examining both the social stigma and the medical aspects of this trend. Roche Malaysia’s General Manager Deepti Saraf led the panel, which included Dr Anand Sachithanandan, a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and LCNM Co-Founder, Dr Jennifer Leong, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, and Associate Professor Dr Caryn Chan Mei Hsien, a Consultant Health Psychologist.
One of the key points raised was the shift in demographic among lung cancer patients. While males and smokers continue to make up the bulk of lung cancer patients, women who were never smokers saw a 79 percent increase in lung cancer incidence over the past 5 decades, placing lung cancer among the top three cancers affecting women worldwide, following breast and colorectal cancer. [Available at https://shorturl.at/aefwW Accessed on 12 December 2023]
Another point brought up during the discussion was the importance of enhancing access to diagnostic and treatment options for women with lung cancer, a group often overlooked despite making up a significant portion of the national health disease burden.
Anand highlighted that although less than 2 percent of Malaysian women smoke, lung cancer is the fourth most common cancer among them. He pointed out the general lack of awareness about nonsmoking-related risk factors for lung cancer, such as second-hand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, radon exposure, and family history.
Leong then brought up the issue surrounding social stigma barriers, particularly for younger women, noting that many mistakenly believe non-smokers are not at risk for lung cancer. This misconception can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, reducing survival chances. Additionally, the misconception that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame. The shame stems from society’s perception that the woman must have done something to warrant the cancer diagnosis.
Chan emphasized the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients, often neglected in cancer care, and how extreme emotional states can impact patients’ and their families’ wellbeing. She noted how proper counseling after a cancer diagnosis can affect a patient’s journey. She added it was important for the clinician to use less jargon, and give the patients and family members as much time as they need to process the situation.
Recent advances in lung cancer treatment, especially in the last decade, have changed what was a terminal diagnosis to one that is chronic in nature. The advent of precision diagnosis, next-generation sequencing (NGS), novel therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, bring new hope to lung cancer patients.
The session concluded with a call to action for increased awareness and proactive health measures, such as regular screenings for lung cancer among high risk and even among those who were traditionally deemed low-risk. Deepti summarized the need for improved oncology care infrastructure and equitable access to therapy for women with lung cancer.
Some symptoms to watch out for
o Recurrent and/or prolonged cough
o Blood in the phlegm/sputum
o Pain in the chest, akin to a heart attack
Apart from direct tobacco smoke, air pollution is a major risk factor. These include:
o Cooking with oil, without proper air circulation
o Exhaust fumes
o Particulate matter falling in the PM2.5 category
o Second-hand smoke particles stuck to walls and furniture[SD1] .