Thailand sees a continuous increase in cancer incidence rates,
while 70,000 Thai people die each year from PM2.5 air pollution.
*Reference
- resourcecenter.thaihealth.or.th
- thematter.co
The daily increase in the number of Thai people diagnosed with lung cancer is
PM 2.5 refers to particles smaller than 2.5 microns (smaller than a human hair about 20 times)
Consisting of toxic gases and carcinogenic substances, they are produced from burning from automobiles, open burning, and smoke from industrial factories.
News story: PM 2.5 and Lung Cancer | Severity of this Health Issue.
Dangers and Health Impacts of PM 2.5 Air Pollution.
PM 2.5 is a dangerous particulate matter that can enter the body deeply into the lung sacs. Some particles can escape into the bloodstream through the lung wall and spread throughout the body. It can trigger respiratory problems for those with chronic respiratory diseases, such as sinusitis, allergies, asthma, and emphysema. It can also cause chronic heart and blood vessel diseases, particularly coronary heart disease. For the long-term effects, it can lead to lung function decline, emphysema, and increase the risk of lung cancer even for non-smokers.
"1 in 10 people with lung cancer is caused by air pollution."
Specifically fine particulate matter that contains carcinogenic substances. This pollution can cause irritation to various organs, such as the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to symptoms such as eye irritation, redness, nasal itching, runny nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, and skin rash.
However, special precautions should be taken for children, pregnant women, and the elderly as air pollution can trigger health issues more easily in these populations.
Approximately 70,000 people die in Thailand each year due to PM2.5 air pollution, which is higher than the number of deaths caused by COVID-19. However, this issue is often overlooked.
The article by Professor Tyler Cowen in Bloomberg, titled ‘Air Pollution Kills Far More People Than Covid Ever Will,’ cites the latest research conducted by researchers from three institutions – the University of Birmingham, Harvard University, and University College London – recently published in the journal Environmental Research.
Although the impact of diseases caused by PM2.5 can be severe, the COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed it, and the consequences of toxic air pollution seem to be a secondary issue that we often overlook and only pay attention to occasionally.
Thais who die from lung cancer are
Lung Cancer
Although air pollution can impact health and lead to deaths, we often do not see its direct effects. However, the consequences of PM2.5 are hidden in lung cancer and chronic heart and blood vessel diseases.
“Lung Cancer”
is one of the top five most common cancers and the second most common cancer in males, and fifth in females
There are approximately 17,222 new cases of lung cancer each year, with an estimated 14,586 deaths, or 40 people per day.
Lung cancer is
“A disease where cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably.”
The cancer may start in the lungs and spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain, or cancer from other organs may spread to the lungs.
Symptoms of lung cancer are often not present until the cancer reaches stage III or higher.
"That is why lung cancer screening is important."
People with lung cancer may experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing up phlegm or blood
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling in the face and/or neck veins
Who is at risk for lung cancer?
- People who smoke or have a history of smoking over the age of 45.
- People who have family members or close contacts who smoke.
- People in environments exposed to pollution and toxins.
- People with a family history of lung cancer.
- People with chronic unexplained coughing.
Early detection of lung cancer can lead to a 90% chance of recovery.
This can be achieved with an experienced medical team.
And advanced technology like the modern Spectral CT tool.
BNH screening statistics for lung cancer:
Number of lung cancer patients detected:
New model! Improves treatment effectiveness and provides clearer detailed images.
“Reduced examination time and radiation, making it safer for you.”
Spectral CT can detect abnormalities that may not be visible in traditional CT scans.
It is a 3D imaging technique that provides greater detail than a regular X-ray.
Why get screened for lung cancer?
-
By the time you notice the symptoms of lung cancer, it may be too late. Lung cancer does not have early warning signs.
- On the other hand, if lung cancer is detected early, the chance of recovery is up to 90%.
What is the difference between X-ray and CT scan for detecting lung cancer?
- Reading X-ray results is not as effective as doing a CT scan to detect lung cancer, especially in the early stages.
- The tumor may be too small to be seen on X-rays, or may be obscured by other organs (e.g. ribs).
- X-rays cannot diagnose lung cancer, but can indicate suspicious areas that require further examination.
- CT scans are more expensive than X-rays, but provide much better results.
Why get screened for lung cancer at BNH?
- With experienced and highly skilled medical teams, we can help you achieve better health and quality of life.
- From previous screening statistics, we have conducted 4,732 screenings and detected 40 lung cancer patients, or about 1.15%.
- We have also recently added the modern Spectral CT tool with Advanced Technology to improve diagnosis efficiency and accuracy.
Who is the lung cancer screening package suitable for?
- Men aged 45+ and women aged 50+ who have never been screened for lung cancer
- Those who want to have an annual lung cancer screening
- Those who have been exposed to pollutants or toxins for a long time
- Smokers or those with chronic coughs
- Those with a family history of lung cancer
Promotion price for lung cancer screening package is 6,500 Baht
- Promotion price for lung cancer screening package is 6,500 Baht
- Available only online from today until May 31st, 2023.
- The service can be scheduled from May 15th to July 31st, 2023.
Where can I purchase a lung cancer screening package from BNH Hospital?
