Lung Cancer Screening Kuala Lumpur

Quit Smoking

Imagine lighting up a cigarette, a momentary escape, a brief indulgence. But what if that fleeting moment has consequences that last a lifetime? Dive with us into the intricate world of smoking and its undeniable link to lung cancer, and discover what really happens with each puff.

The Chemical Cocktail in Every Drag

Each puff from a cigarette exposes your lungs to a dangerous mix of over 7,000 chemicals. Among them, at least 70 are proven carcinogens. With time, these chemicals continuously attack your lung cells. As these cells attempt to repair themselves, imperfections can arise, leading to mutations that pave the way for cancer.

Lungs: The lungs, being the primary recipients of cigarette smoke, endure constant aggression from chemicals like tar and nicotine. This results in inflammation, an increase in mucus production, and damage to the cilia (minute hair-like structures that cleanse the lungs). Chronic exposure can lead to conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other respiratory ailments.

Heart, Brain & Blood Vessels: Smoking heightens the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries, constricting them and impeding blood flow. This can culminate in heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Moreover, diminished blood flow can also impact the brain, elevating the risk of strokes that can result in brain damage or even death.

Mouth and Throat: Smoking can precipitate gum disease, tooth loss, and cancers of the mouth, throat, and oesophagus. Regular dental check-ups can aid in the early detection of oral complications stemming from smoking.

Skin: The nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels in the skin’s outer layers, restricting blood flow and leading to a pallid and uneven complexion. This diminished blood flow deprives the skin of essential oxygen and nutrients, accelerating aging and wrinkle formation.

Bones: Smoking compromises bone health, reducing bone density and heightening the risk of fractures.

Eyes: Smokers face an elevated risk of conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both of which can result in blindness.

The Silent Onslaught of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer acts as a silent invader , revealing symptoms more often in its advanced stages. These symptoms include a persistent cough, some mild chest discomfort, or weight fluctuations. This covert nature has crowned it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. But here’s the silver lining: early detection can significantly improve outcomes:

• Optimized Treatment Options: Detecting lung cancer in its initial stages often means the cancer is localized and hasn’t spread. This allows for treatments that are less invasive and more targeted, leading to better outcomes.
• Better Survival Rates: An early-stage diagnosis of lung cancer presents a markedly improved prognosis compared to diagnoses made in advanced stages. The numbers speak volumes. An early-stage lung cancer diagnosis boasts a five-year survival rate of about 56%, a stark contrast to the mere 5% for late-stage diagnoses.
• Mental Well-being: Knowledge is liberating. Being informed about your lung health status not only alleviates anxiety but also empowers you to make proactive decisions about your health and lifestyle.

Lung Cancer Health Screening

Hisential Clinic offers comprehensive lung cancer screenings and health check-ups. This includes Radiology scans, Lung Function Tests and blood testing. Whether you’re seeking an exhaustive examination or something more budget-friendly, we have you covered.

Don’t delay until symptoms manifest. Prioritize your lung health now. Schedule an appointment with Hisential Clinic for a thorough lung health assessment.

References:

• De Flora S, Bartsch H. Genomic and post‐genomic effects of cigarette smoke: Mechanisms and implications for risk assessment and prevention strategies. Int J Cancer. 2012;131(12):2794-2803.
• American Cancer Society. Carcinogens Found in Tobacco Products. [Online]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/carcinogens-found-in-tobacco-
  products.html.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease. [Online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Bone Health and Osteoporosis. [Online]. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/bone-health-and-osteoporosis.