Lung cancer has been one of the commonest forms of cancer in Pakistan since long with tobacco smoking one of its well known risk factors. Although with advancements in medical science, the survival span for patients suffering with lung cancer has increased significantly up to 5 years.
However considerable awareness initiatives are required to eliminate confusion between tuberculosis and lung cancer. The confusion is mainly because of similar symptoms of both the diseases.
Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) Dr Azhar Rasheed expressed these views during a media briefing. He added that if a patient of TB feels no improvement in his health after 2 – 3 weeks of treatment, then it is advisable for him to rush for Chest X-Ray or CT Scan or PET CT Scan of lungs. It has been observed that most of the patients are diagnosed at later stages of lung cancer mainly because of lack of awareness and confusion with TB.
According to Dr Azhar, situation in Pakistan is further aggravating with majority of youth and women adapting smoking as a habit and lifestyle. Smoking, family history and chronic TB are main causes of lung cancer, but smoking still remains the most threatening one. Lung cancer has reached epidemic proportions and it is the leading cause of death in developing countries.
He explained that the main symptoms of lung cancer are acute cough, cough with blood, chest pain, recurrent pneumonia and TB. After the lung cancer is diagnosed, the procedure of treatment is decided according to patient’s condition. He added that surgery is the best treatment option, but radiotherapy and chemotherapy can also be used depending on the stage of the disease. Some new medicines and TKI agents have produced promising results in cancer patients. EGFR-TKI causes mutation in genes to cure lungs.
Talking about measures to control incidences of lung diseases, he said that creating awareness about harmful effects of smoking is important. Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital is playing a vital role to eradicate the menace of smoking from the society. The hospital annually runs anti-tobacco awareness campaign all over Pakistan in schools, colleges and other sections of the society.
Dr Azhar Rasheed advised the people to quit smoking and contact their physician if faced with symptoms as discussed above for early screening which is pivotal for cure of the disease.
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