Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. Lung cancer is the number 2 killer in males and 3rd in females in Singapore. Between 2010 and 2014, there was an average of 1370 people in Singapore diagnosed with lung cancer yearly.
Causes and Risks
The number one risk of getting lung cancer is through smoking and the exposure to second-hand smoke. Being a smoker increases the risk of lung cancer 15 to 25 times.
Age is also a factor, as it tends to rapidly increase in incidences for those over the age of 50, but remains rare in people under the age of 40.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung cancer or lung damage mimic those of a severe cold. The most common symptoms are coughing and coughing blood, and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis
Lung cancer is most commonly diagnosed with the help of a chest x-ray. The sputum may also be sent for testing to identify whether it is a cancer cell or an infection, such as tuberculosis.
If there is a suspicion of cancer, a CT scan and bronchoscopy may be scheduled.
Treatment
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to treat lung cancer.
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Updated on 13/04/2017
Our Oncologist
DR WONG SENG WENG
Medical Director & Consultant
MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Medical Oncology)