Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Hong Kong, causing nearly 3,900 deaths in 2017. Lung cancer is mainly classified into two types based on the size of cancer cells: "small cell lung cancer" and "non-small cell lung cancer". Small cell lung cancer is usually caused by smoking. It typically starts from the bronchi and then quickly grows and spreads to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes. Non-small cell lung cancer includes the most common types such as adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Common symptoms include persistent cough, blood in sputum, chest pain, loss of appetite, unexplained fatigue, etc.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Hong Kong, with nearly 5,200 new cases in 2017, a 21% increase compared to ten years ago. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women, with an obvious upward trend. Therefore, both men and women should not take it lightly. Apart from a family history of lung cancer, smoking is currently a known risk factor, and people who are frequently exposed to second-hand smoke also have a higher risk. Lung cancer is also related to genetic mutations, air pollution, and age. There is also a gradually growing trend of lung cancer among young people and women without a smoking habit.
如何檢查及評估肺癌？
Early symptoms of lung cancer are not obvious, and two-thirds of lung cancer patients are only diagnosed with cancer when it has reached stage 3 or 4. Many patients mistake lung cancer symptoms for coughing due to common colds or discomfort in the trachea caused by smoking. Patients only seek medical attention when the cancer cells spread to other organs and cause obvious symptoms such as bone pain or headache. High-risk individuals are advised to undergo regular check-ups to protect their health.
檢查和評估方面，一般而言，醫生會先從入侵性較低的檢查入手，包括X光造影檢查、電腦掃描或正電子掃描。假若仍有所懷疑，醫生一般會建議進行支氣管鏡檢查、肺活檢等診療，以抽取一部分或全部腫瘤組織以進行化驗評估.
其實如患者在早期評估出肺癌，及時接受適當的診療，5年肺癌存活率可大大提升，反映定期接受身體檢查的重要性。如果你懷疑自己患上肺癌，請立即徵詢醫生的專業意見。
The above information is for reference only. If you have any medical questions, please consult your doctor.
