95% of lung cancer cases detected late

PETALING JAYA: According to Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, the managing director of the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), nearly 95% of lung cancer cases are detected late, despite it being one of the top three cancers affecting Malaysians.

“In men, lung cancer is the second highest cancer after colorectal cancer, taking into account that over 50% of males smoke,” he added.

Dr Murallitharan mentioned that lung cancer has been on the rise among women who are non-smokers. Researchers have found links between lung cancer and second-hand or even third-hand smoke. Third-hand smoke refers to the residual particles from aged second-hand smoke that stick to indoor dust and surfaces and get re-released into the air.

He highlighted that non-smoking women are also at an increased risk and should not ignore the symptoms of lung cancer. Additionally, he expressed concern about the alarming rise in women smokers, especially vapers, which may worsen the trend.

Regarding the challenges of screening, Dr Murallitharan stated that screening the entire population is not effective and cost-efficient. He explained that screening involves not only X-rays but also CT scans, and one must consider the annual exposure to radiation.

However, smokers are the most at risk and should be screened. Unfortunately, many smokers shy away from screening and believe they won’t develop cancer. Dr Murallitharan emphasized the need for focused awareness on those at risk and highlighted that quitting smoking or undergoing screening remains a persistent challenge.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that the prevalence of lung cancer in Malaysia could double by 2040. From 4,403 cases in 2012, lung cancer cases increased to 4,686 in 2018, and it is projected to reach 9,679 cases by 2040.

According to the WHO’s Global Cancer Observatory, lung cancer accounted for the third highest number of new cancer cases reported in 2020, with 5,139 cases (10.6% of all 48,639 diagnoses). It was the leading cancer among males, with 3,925 cases (17% of all 23,052 male cases). It also ranked second in terms of mortality, causing over 4,000 deaths.

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology in 2020, titled “Lung Cancer in Malaysia,” revealed that the lifetime risk of lung cancer for Malaysian males is one in 55, while for females, it is one in 135.7. The incidence rate increases significantly from age 45 and peaks in the 60-74 age group. Nearly 90% of lung cancer patients in Malaysia are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease.

The study also highlighted the high prevalence of smoking in Malaysia, with almost 50% of adult males being smokers. Furthermore, over 90% of male lung cancer patients had a significant smoking history, while almost all young female lung cancer patients were non-smokers.