“November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to highlight the impact of lung cancer, which is diagnosed in 2.5 million people globally each year and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for 1.8 million fatalities annually,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula,a Hematologist and Oncologist by profession and the current President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). “The good news is that lung cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” DR. Kathula added.
Smoking is well known to be the main cause of lung cancer, which is the number one cause of cancer related death worldwide. Dr. Kathula said, “Smoking is by far the largest risk factor accounting for more than 80% of lung cancers, but other risks include exposure to pollution, radon, asbestos, and infections like TB, HIV, or autoimmune disorders.”
“Quitting smoking is the most important preventive measure,” Dr. Kathula said and added, “Avoid exposure to pollution, radon, and asbestos.”
Stressing the importance of Screening, Dr. kathula said, “Those with a history of 20 pack-years of smoking should have an annual low-dose CT scan of the chest, unless they’ve quit smoking for more than 15 years.”
Lung cancer screening is a critical tool in detecting the disease early, which is when it is most treatable. If lung cancer is caught before it spreads to other parts of the body, the chance of surviving five years or more increases to 64%. Individuals aged 50 to 80, who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years may be eligible for screening. People can see if they are eligible for lung cancer screening by taking a two-minute quiz at SavedByTheScan.org.
Dr. Kathula lamented that despite the high risk, only 5% of eligible individuals get screened for lung cancer, compared to 90% of women who get mammograms for breast cancer. “It is essential to encourage smokers to get screened, as early detection significantly improves survival rates,” her added.
Biomarker testing has transformed how lung cancer is treated. By identifying the DNA and protein makeup of tumors, physicians can match patients with targeted therapies that can slow or even shrink tumors. Testing for the PD-L1 protein, in particular, helps determine whether immunotherapy may be an effective treatment option.
Founded in 1982, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin represents a conglomeration of more than 80,000 practicing physicians in the United States.AAPI is a forum to facilitate and enable Indian American Physicians to excel in patient care, teaching and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs.For information on AAPI and its noble initiatives, please visit: www.appiusa.org
