Lung Cancer: The Silent Threat of PM2.5 | GLOVETEX.COM
Lung cancer is the second leading cause of death among Thais (second in men after liver cancer and first in women). It is well-known that the main cause is smoking or being in close proximity to smokers. Nowadays, lung cancer is increasingly found in non-smokers, such as those exposed to chemicals like asbestos, chromium, and nickel at work. Another significant concern is air pollution, particularly PM 2.5, which can increase the risk of lung cancer by 1-1.4 times.
Dangers close to home that you might not know about:
Increasing incidence of lung cancer among young people.
Lung cancer often doesn't show symptoms until it's in an advanced stage (3-4).
Most lung cancer cases today occur in non-smokers.
Lung Cancer: The Current Landscape
Lung cancer is not just a problem for this doctor, but for the people in the northern region as well. Relevant agencies should study and collaborate to address the known causes, such as air pollution, to prevent further escalation. This includes addressing other diseases stemming from fine particulate matter pollution.
The statistic of lung cancer patients is the highest.
The report on cancer in Thailand from 2016 to 2018 analyzed cancer patients from hospitals in 14 provinces nationwide. It found that "lung cancer" is the organ with the second highest age-standardized rate (ASR) in males (22.8 cases per 100,000 population) and the fourth highest in females (11.5 cases per 100,000 population).
When separated by region, the "Northern region" has the highest incidence, with 33.1 cases per 100,000 population in males and 19.9 cases per 100,000 population in females. Meanwhile, the "Northeastern region" has the lowest incidence, with 16.9 cases per 100,000 population in males and 8.4 cases per 100,000 population in females.
PM2.5 ก่อมะเร็งได้จริงหรือ?
PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter) is fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (smaller than the diameter of a human hair, about 20 times). It is generated from sources such as vehicle emissions, open burning, and industrial emissions. These tiny particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, affecting health. In the short term, exposure can cause eye irritation, nasal irritation, and throat irritation, exacerbating allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prolonged and high exposure to PM 2.5 increases the risk of asthma, allergies, COPD, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Moreover, PM 2.5 contains certain chemical components that can contribute to cancer, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and carcinogenic hydrocarbons generated from incomplete combustion of organic matter.
Studies have shown that PM 2.5 levels of 22 micrograms per cubic meter are equivalent to smoking one cigarette. While the risk of lung cancer from PM 2.5 exposure may not be as high as smoking, prolonged and high exposure to PM 2.5 can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Symptoms of lung cancer include:
Symptoms of respiratory system disorders:
- Chronic cough: Persistent cough with or without phlegm.
- Coughing up blood: Coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum.
- Wheezing and shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, accompanied by wheezing or feeling breathless.
- Obstruction sensation: Feeling of obstruction due to pressure from a cancerous lump.
- Compression of the airways: Feeling of pressure or constriction in the airways.
- Chest pain when breathing: Pain in the chest while breathing deeply.
- Pneumonia with fever: Inflammation of the lungs accompanied by fever.
Symptoms of lung cancer
Symptoms of other systems:
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss: Decrease in appetite leading to significant weight loss without a known cause.
- Swelling in the face, arms, neck, and upper chest due to accumulation of dark-colored blood.
- Hoarseness: Changes in voice quality due to cancer.
- Spread to nerves around the voice box.
- Bone pain: Pain in the bones.
- Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing due to pressure from cancerous lump compressing the esophagus.
- Paralysis: Due to cancer spreading to the brain or spinal cord.
- Development of nodules or lumps on the skin.
Warning Signs
- Persistent cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- Coughing up blood or blood-streaked sputum
- Chest pain and unexplained weight loss
- Easily fatigued
- General weakness and loss of appetite
- Some individuals may experience low-grade fever or recurrent respiratory infections
Avoiding risk factors
- Quit smoking.
- Protect yourself from exposure to asbestos or pollutants.
- Avoid high-fat foods.
- Increase intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get adequate rest and relaxation.
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