KUALA LUMPUR, August 21 – The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) have come together with the support of Pfizer to champion health literacy on lung cancer in conjunction with World Lung Cancer Day.
In recognising the devastating effects of lung cancer and its far-reaching impact beyond the patient, these organisations have teamed up with a single-minded goal to shed light on the importance of early detection of lung cancer, which is often diagnosed at the advanced stages when treatment options are limited.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysia and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Regrettably, up to 90 per cent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at the late stage (Stage 3 and Stage 4), with the fiveyear survival rate for advanced lung cancer patients in Malaysia ranging between 6.3 to 7.5 per cent.
One of the common misconceptions that persists is the idea that all lung cancers are the same. Consultant oncologist Dr Marfu’ah Nik Eezamuddeen explained, “There is more than one type of lung cancer, and it is among the most difficult diseases to treat due to its varied and complex nature.
“There are typically no signs and symptoms in the early stages of disease, and among those who display symptoms, these are often mistaken for other health problems such as the common cold or chest infections. Both these situations can lead to a delayed diagnosis.”
Zooming In On ALK-Positive Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can broadly be categorised into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which is less common, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which makes up the majority of cases. Gene mutations can lead to NSCLC.
For instance, changes or mutations in the ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene can be found in 5 per cent of patients with NSCLC. In contrast to conventional views of lung cancer, females, younger people below the age of 50, and those who have never smoked have a higher risk of developing ALK-positive lung cancer.
“Although ALK-positive NSCLC is typically aggressive and often impacts people in the prime of their lives, advancements in medical innovation have greatly improved the outcomes for these patients,” said Dr Tho Lye Mun, LCNM president.
“Correctly identifying genetic changes in each patient is key, as there are medicines such as targeted therapies that are designed to precisely attack cancer cells, and these have been found to be extremely effective in treating these lung cancers.”
Even as treatment advancements promise a better outlook for patients, it is crucial for them to have a grasp on their specific lung cancer presentation.
To facilitate this, a booklet on ALK-positive lung cancer has been developed to support newly diagnosed patients and caregivers on their cancer journey.
An extension of the Thrive campaign, this comprehensive resource details information on the ALK-positive lung cancer subtype, from risk factors and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Physical copies of the booklet can be obtained from official Pfizer contacts, while digital copies can be downloaded from the Thrive campaign website. The booklet is currently available in English, with versions in Bahasa Melayu, Chinese, and Tamil to be launched by the end of the year.
The Role Of Screening And Early Detection
Screening and early detection of lung cancer cannot be discounted given their crucial role in ensuring the best outcomes for patients. Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, NCSM managing director, echoed this sentiment.
“The sooner the cancer is detected, the better a patient’s chance for survival. Hence, we urge those who are at high risk of developing lung cancer to get screened regularly and encourage those with symptoms to see a doctor as soon as possible so that treatment can be initiated in a timely manner to prevent lung cancer from worsening and spreading to other parts of the body,” he said.
There is still much to be done and concerted efforts between industry stakeholders can help pave the way for a society that is better educated and equipped to make good health decisions. This is why the Thrive campaign was introduced and continues to be a support platform for the cancer community.
“Pfizer is committed to raising health literacy across the disease spectrum and lung cancer is no exception. Beyond discovering and developing therapies for patients, we also want to empower them with the tools to make informed decisions pertaining to their cancer journey. In so doing, we hope to leave a positive and lasting impact so that people with cancer can live longer and better lives,” concluded Dr Sean Gardiner, cluster medical lead, Malaysia-Indonesia-Singapore-Philippines (MISP), Pfizer.
