Dr Soo (left) and Dr Yong both emphasised that lung health cannot be taken lightly. They noted that lung cancer often shows no noticeable symptoms, and may even remain undetected in later stages. This makes regular check-ups and early screening all the more important for detecting the disease before it progresses. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
FOR most Malaysians, a persistent cough is often dismissed as a lingering cold or the result of seasonal allergies.
We tend to wait for a more noticeable, physical sign – like a sharp pain, a rattle in the chest, a stubborn wheeze or coughing up blood – before we even think about seeing a doctor.
But when it comes to lung health, silence is rarely golden.
By the time a cough becomes impossible to ignore, the window for the most effective treatment may already be closing.
In Malaysia, lung cancer statistics tell a sobering story.
According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men, the third most common in women and the third most common cancer overall in the country.
Crucially, a majority of cases are only identified at advanced stages, limiting treatment options and chances of survival.
In 2017–2021, the proportion of cases diagnosed at late stages (Stages 3 and 4) rose compared with 2012–2016, increasing from 93.5% to 95.4% for men and from 92.3% to 94.3% for women.
Despite its prevalence, it is often shrouded in the misconception that it only affects heavy smokers or the elderly.
Sunway Medical Centre Damansara consultant pulmonologists Dr Soo Chun Ian and Dr Yong Mei Ching shared that the reality is very different, explaining that lung cancer is a silent traveller.
In its earliest, most treatable stages – and even in its later stages – it rarely leaves a footprint.
Invisible risks
Dr Yong noted that, beyond active smoking, passive smoking (secondhand exposure) is a primary concern.
“Even if you aren’t in a high-risk category, if there is a smoker at home or you are frequently exposed to cigarette smoke, you are at risk,” she said.
Dr Yong added that occupa-tional hazards are another risk factor.
She pointed out that those working in industrial sectors must use proper respiratory protection to avoid exposure to pollutants like harmful gases and chemicals, and construction dust.
This is also the same for environmental factors like air pollution, as well as cooking indoors with biofuels like charcoal and wood.
“Any sort of substance inhaled into the lungs is not good and has the potential to cause lung-related issues and lung cancer in the long run. The lungs are only made for fresh air,” she said.
She opined that if you have an unresolved cough that lasts more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention or evaluation, due to the disease’s asymptomatic nature.
“Most of the time, lung cancer does not have any significant symptoms, but rather, general, non-specific symptoms like malaise and tiredness.
“A majority of cases do not show any symptoms at all,” she said.
Catching it early
While lifestyle is key, Dr Soo emphasised that for many, the risk is written in their DNA.
“A significant portion of lung cancers in the region are genetically-based.
“Anyone who has a family history of lung cancer should go for screening, so that the disease can be detected and treated early,” he said.
“If the cancer is already in the later stages, the availability of treatment options is more limited, and the chances for long-term survival are very much reduced.”
This is why he is a firm believer in prioritising active screening to catch the disease in its early stages.
He recommends that those aged 50 and above consider screening if they have a family history of the disease, are current or former smokers, or have high exposure to secondhand smoke.
Smokers can opt for screening earlier due to their enhanced risk.
Dr Soo explained that doing so allows for an early and accurate diagnosis, opening the door to more treatment options and the best treatment being instituted.
He also noted modern technology has improved lung cancer diagnostics and treatment, which reiterates the need to catch the disease early.
Prevention better than cure
A major barrier for many is the fear of medical procedures, particularly the radiation exposure associated with screenings, CT scans and X-rays.
“Exposure to radiation from undergoing screening is very low. Detecting the cancer early actually outweighs whatever radiation you’re exposed to from the scans,” said Dr Soo.
Additionally, while it is crucial to take heed of the underlying, subtle risks, smoking is still the primary cause of developing lung cancer.
Dr Yong reinforced that it is never too late to make a change, citing encouraging statistics for those who quit smoking.
“If you have stopped for 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer drops significantly, potentially halving your risk compared to those who continue to smoke,” she said.
“At any point, quitting smoking will have positive effects on your health,” she added.
