Understanding Lung Cancer Rates and Treatment Options in Singapore

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men and the third among women in Singapore. It is also one of the deadliest, primarily because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. According to reports from the Singapore Cancer Registry, lung cancer accounts for a significant proportion of all cancer deaths, making early detection and awareness crucial. Click the link for more information: https://oncocare.sg/lung-cancer-diagnosis-treatment-in-singapore/

In recent years, medical advancements have improved the survival rates of lung cancer patients, but the mortality rate remains high. Many cases are diagnosed only after symptoms become severe, highlighting the need for better screening programs and public awareness campaigns.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, which remains a major health concern in Singapore. While the overall smoking rate in the country is relatively low compared to global standards, a significant portion of lung cancer cases can still be attributed to tobacco use. Smoking introduces carcinogenic substances into the lungs, increasing the likelihood of cellular mutations that lead to cancer. Even passive smoking, or secondhand smoke exposure, has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, making it a concern for non-smokers as well.

Apart from smoking, other factors contribute to lung cancer risk, including:

• Air Pollution: Singapore’s urbanization has led to increased exposure to environmental pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and haze from regional forest fires.

• Occupational Hazards: Certain professions, such as construction and manufacturing, expose workers to carcinogenic substances like asbestos, diesel exhaust, and industrial chemicals, increasing their risk.

• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a higher genetic susceptibility to lung cancer, making them more vulnerable even if they have never smoked.

• Radon Exposure: Although radon gas is not a major concern in Singapore due to its geographical characteristics, it remains a risk factor globally and is worth considering in enclosed environments.

• Diet and Lifestyle Factors: A diet low in fruits and vegetables and a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to increased cancer risk by weakening the body’s ability to combat cellular damage.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Lung cancer symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Unexplained weight loss

• Coughing up blood

• Recurrent respiratory infections

Because early-stage lung cancer is often asymptomatic, regular screenings are essential for high-risk individuals. In Singapore, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are increasingly being recommended for early detection, particularly for those with a history of smoking or other risk factors. Other diagnostic methods include chest X-rays, sputum cytology, and biopsies.

Treatment Options

Singapore has world-class medical facilities offering various treatment options for lung cancer, depending on the stage and type of cancer diagnosed. The main treatment options include:

• Surgery: Recommended for early-stage lung cancer, where a portion or the entire lung is removed to eliminate cancerous cells.

• Radiation Therapy: Used either as a primary treatment or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to target cancerous cells.

• Chemotherapy: A systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often used for advanced-stage lung cancer.

• Targeted Therapy: A modern approach that involves drugs designed to target specific genetic mutations in cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy: An emerging treatment that enhances the body’s immune response to fight cancer effectively.

The availability of cutting-edge treatments and participation in global clinical trials have positioned Singapore as a hub for cancer care and research.

Prevention and Early Detection

Prevention remains the best strategy in combating lung cancer. Some key preventive measures include:

• Quitting Smoking: Singapore has implemented strict tobacco control policies, including high taxation on cigarettes, public smoking bans, and smoking cessation programs to encourage smokers to quit.

• Avoiding Secondhand Smoke: Non-smokers should minimize exposure to cigarette smoke by avoiding smoking areas and promoting smoke-free environments.

• Reducing Air Pollution Exposure: Using air purifiers at home, avoiding outdoor activities during haze periods, and supporting policies that reduce environmental pollution can help lower the risk.

• Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular physical activity, and good hydration supports overall lung health and reduces cancer risks.

• Regular Screenings: Individuals with a high risk of lung cancer, especially long-term smokers, should undergo periodic lung screenings to detect abnormalities early.

Conclusion

Lung cancer remains a serious public health issue in Singapore, but with growing awareness, early detection, and advances in medical treatments, survival rates are improving. Reducing exposure to risk factors such as smoking and air pollution, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing regular screenings can significantly lower the incidence of lung cancer. Public health initiatives and medical research continue to play a crucial role in combating this disease, ensuring that more lives are saved through prevention and timely intervention. While challenges remain, Singapore’s proactive approach to lung cancer management offers hope for a future with fewer cases and improved outcomes for those affected.