One in four lung cancer patients
are non-smokers, says study
When someone is diagnosed with or dies of lung cancer, the first question people often ask is "Was he/she a smoker?"
Although most lung cancers are caused by smoking, a 2007 review found that about 25 percent of lung cancer cases worldwide, accounting for over 300,000 deaths each year, are not attributable to tobacco use. Another review revealed that lung cancer in never-smokers is more common in Asia, particularly in women. "Never-smoke" is a person who has smoked less than 100 cigarettes in his/her lifetime.
"Research has yet to establish what causes lung cancer in never-smokers, but secondhand tobacco smoke is probably responsible for about 20 percent of lung cancer cases in never-smokers," says Dr. Ma. Belen Tamayo, President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology. Air pollution may cause about 5 percent of lung cancer. Indoor air pollution like fumes from cooking oil and smoke from coal- or wood-burning stoves are known to increase lung cancer risk, particularly in Asia.
Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of cancer death, claiming more lives than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. Data from the Philippine Cancer Society and Department of Health show that in 2005, lung cancer was one of the most common cancers among Filipinos of both sexes. It was by far the most common cancer among Filipino males and the third most common among Filipino women.
According to Dr. Tamayo, symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, repeated pneumonia or bronchitis, weight loss and fatigue. She notes that the only chance of cure, via surgery, is possible only in 35 percent of patients, and still the risk of recurrence is high despite surgery. "Prevention remains the best strategy," stresses Dr. Tamayo.
Surgery, radiotherapy (use of radiation to kill cancer cells) and chemotherapy (use of cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells) may all be used in treating lung cancer. In addition to chemotherapy, a number of new targeted agents are now available which target and block the cellular signals that promote proliferation of cancer cells. One of these new targeted therapies is a certain class of drugs called EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. EGFR is a cell receptor that signals cancer cells to multiply and survive. One type of EGFR-TKI is gefitinib, a product of AstraZeneca – one of the world’s leading research and development pharmaceutical companies that focuses on cancer as one of its key therapeutic areas.
Dr. Tamayo welcomed the observance of World Lung Cancer Day every November 17 as an opportunity for an open and honest discussion about the disease. She also lauded AstraZeneca for helping dispel myths and raise awareness about lung cancer. As part of World Lung Cancer Day 2009, AstraZeneca is releasing a fact sheet to dispel common myths about lung cancer. The following are key points listed in the fact sheet:
"Lung cancer isn’t just for smokers—anyone can develop the disease. To prevent lung cancer, don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and avoid secondhand tobacco smoke," stresses Dr. Tamayo.
The most commonly reported adverse effects in those taking gefitinib are diarrhea, skin reactions (including rash, acne, dry skin and itching), nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and generalized weakness (asthenia).
In the Philippines, gefitinib is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have previously received chemotherapy or who are not suitable for chemotherapy.
Gefitinib should not to be given to those with severe hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any other component of the pill. Some patients taking gefitinib experienced interstitial lung disease (fatal in some cases) and liver problems. Care should be taken by those receiving warfarin.
Gefitinib is a prescription medication and can only be used as advised by a doctor. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional.