Former smokers need to undergo lung screening for up to 15 years\nafter quitting, according to Dr.\u00a0Hana Khairina Putri Faisal, a\npulmonology and respiratory medicine specialist at Columbia Asia\nHospital Pulomas, East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Annual screening using Low Dose CT Scan (LDCT) is recommended for\npeople aged 50\u201380 years who have a smoking history of at least 20\npack-years, are still smoking, or have quit smoking within the last 15\nyears, Hana said in Jakarta on Friday.<\/p>\n
Hana explained that one pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack\nper day for one year.<\/p>\n
She noted that lung cancer often does not cause typical symptoms in\nits early stages. This can result in some cases only being identified\nwhen the disease has reached an advanced stage, making treatment more\nlimited.<\/p>\n
One method used to help detect lung cancer in high-risk groups is\nLDCT. This examination uses lower radiation doses than conventional CT\nscans but can still produce detailed images of the lungs to help\nidentify nodules or other abnormalities.<\/p>\n
Early-stage lung cancer often shows no symptoms. Through Low Dose CT\nScan, abnormalities can be detected earlier, increasing the chances of\nsuccessful treatment, Hana said.<\/p>\n
According to Hana, the decision to undergo LDCT should be discussed\nwith a doctor based on age, smoking history, health condition, and the\nindividual\u2019s ability to undergo follow-up if abnormalities are\nfound.<\/p>\n
In addition, preventive measures should be taken by quitting smoking,\navoiding second-hand smoke, reducing exposure to pollution and hazardous\nsubstances in the workplace, and having persistent respiratory\ncomplaints examined.<\/p>\n
Do not wait for severe symptoms before paying attention to lung\nhealth. However, examinations should also not be carried out without\nmedical assessment. Consultation helps determine whether someone truly\nneeds screening and which examination is most appropriate, Hana\nexplained.<\/p>\n
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies lung cancer as the\nleading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 2022, an estimated\n2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths were attributed to the\ndisease.<\/p>\n
Smoking is the main risk factor, while exposure to second-hand smoke,\nair pollution, and hazardous substances in the work environment can also\nincrease the risk.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/former-smokers-need-lung-screening-up-to-15-years-after-quitting-1787899934", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }