A recent study revealed that lung cancer detected by screening has a high survival rate. This article underscores the importance of early detection of lung cancer through lung cancer screening in Singapore.
A Study On Lung Cancer Screening And Survival Rates
In a recent study, researchers found that regular computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer significantly improves survival rates, with more than 80% of individuals whose lung tumors were detected early did not die of lung cancer over the course of 2 decades.
The study population consisted of people in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) in which participants enrolled between 1992 and 2022 were assessed for lung cancer-specific survival at 10 and 20 years after a primary lung cancer diagnosis via annual screening. The participants demonstrated a 20-year lung cancer-specific survival rate of 81%. Of the participants diagnosed with a first primary small-cell or non-small-cell lung cancer, 81% were diagnosed at Stage I, reinforcing the efficacy of early screening.
The study, conducted by Claudia Henschke, MD, and her team, underscores the importance of early detection through screening. According to Dr. Henschke, while screening may not prevent cancer, it plays a crucial role in identifying lung cancers at an early stage when surgical removal is a viable option.
Lung Cancer In Singapore Statistics
Lung cancer is the third most frequent cancer diagnosed in men and women in Singapore according to Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths in males, accounting for 3,988 (about a quarter) of all cancer deaths among males in 2017 to 2021.
Although in Singapore lung cancer has poor survival rates, the silver lining is that lung cancer can be treated. As Dr Henschke stated in a report, “Ultimately, anyone interested in being screened needs to know that if they are unfortunate enough to develop lung cancer, that it can be cured if found early.”
Lung Cancer Screening In Singapore
Early-stage lung cancer often does not present symptoms, and that is why having lung cancer screening is important.
The Ministry of Health recommends regular screening for higher-risk individuals:
- Aged between 55 – 74, have smoked a pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years or more, and continue to smoke.
- Aged between 55 – 74, have smoked a pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years or more, and have quit smoking
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for people who are:
- 50 to 80 years old.
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (one pack-year is equal to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year) and currently smoke, or have quit smoking only within the past 15 years.
Screening should be stopped once the individual has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.
Where To Get Lung Cancer Screening In Singapore
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
