Roche Malaysia and Lung Cancer Network Malaysia hosted an event titled ‘A Breath Of Fresh Hope’ to address the rising rates of lung cancer in non-smoking Malaysian women.
The panel discussion highlighted the lack of awareness about factors beyond smoking that contribute to lung cancer in women, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, asbestos, and radon exposure.
Roche and LCNM on Lung Cancer
The experts emphasized the importance of increasing access to diagnostic and therapeutic tools for women with lung cancer. The event aimed to dispel misconceptions, reduce social stigma, and promote early detection and treatment. Roche and LCNM expressed dedication to continued advocacy and collaboration for the cause.
“Less than 2% of women here are smokers, but lung cancer is the fourth most common malignancy,” says Dr. Anand Sachithanandan, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Co-Founder of LCNM.
“There is a genuine lack of awareness amongst both the general public and doctors as well about factors other than smoking that predispose women to lung cancer — secondhand smoke, high levels of exposure to air pollution, asbestos or radon. A family history for the disease is another significant risk factor that is often overlooked.”
According to Dr Anand, lung cancer is no longer a male smokers disease but if detected early, it can be treated effectively and often cured.
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