Jakarta (ANTARA) – Pulmonologist at RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Dr. Eric Daniel Tenda DIC, PhD, Sp.PD, KP, FINASIM reminds smokers even if they have no symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath to immediately undergo screening to detect lung cancer early.
“People who are still active smokers are included in the group that must be screened or screened. 20 packs of cigarettes in the last 10 years increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer,” he said via IG Live RSCM Kencana to coincide with the commemoration of World Lung Cancer Day 2023, Tuesday.
Eric also said those aged 50-80 years, who have a family history of cancer, are included in the population that should be screened. The recommended screening is a low-dose lung CT scan or LDCT. According to Eric, this examination has a better diagnostic value to identify abnormalities in the lungs as quickly as possible.
“Most of the primary care facilities still use X-rays. It doesn’t mean that X-rays can’t catch them,” said Eric.
Also read: Doctor: Be aware of lung cancer symptoms such as chronic cough
He said, by screening as quickly as possible, a person’s lung abnormalities due to risk factors such as smoking history, age, family history of cancer, can be detected early and doctors can immediately take action for the patient’s recovery.
On the other hand, people who already have symptoms such as a cough that doesn’t heal for more than two months, cough with blood, weight loss, shortness of breath plus risk factors are advised to see a doctor for an early diagnosis. According to the Ministry of Health, coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss are examples of early symptoms of cancer.
Also read: YKI: Symptoms of lung cancer often do not appear at an early stage
In addition, swelling of the face or neck, headaches, pain in the bones, shoulders, arms or hands, then loss of appetite, hoarseness of voice, difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing something and changes in the shape of the fingers, namely the tips of the fingers become convex too known to be an early symptom of lung cancer.
These symptoms appear when the development of cancer has reached a certain stage. In its early stages, lung cancer does not cause any symptoms.
“If there are symptoms, consult a doctor immediately, especially if there are risk factors. Do early detection, for example X-rays. If you go to a specialist, you can do a low dose CT scan,” said Eric.
Also read: Protecting the lungs starts with quitting smoking
2023-08-01 08:14:29
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