Pantai Hospital Melaka raises awareness on early detection, treatment of lung cancer

PANTAI Hospital Melaka, in partnership with the Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM), recently held a Public Forum on Lung Cancer to raise public awareness about early detection, prevention and the latest advances in treatment options.

Its Chief Executive Officer Tan Yew Aik said the forum reflects their ongoing commitment to community and preventive healthcare.

"Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers in Malaysia, with many cases detected at late stages.

"Our mission is not only to treat diseases but also to empower the public with the right information, tools and access to screening that can save lives," he said in a statement.

Respiratory and Internal Medicine Consultant Dr Muventhiran Ruthranesan shared that although the cure rate for lung cancer has improved from seven per cent in 1971 to 15 per cent today, the figure is still relatively low.

"Smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop or die from lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Early screening among high-risk groups can lead to earlier detection, better prognosis and higher success rates for curative treatments," he said.

Meanwhile, Musculoskeletal and Clinical Radiologist Consultant Dr Siti Hajar Omar stressed that early detection greatly enhances prognosis and survival outcomes by identifying cancers before they spread.

She pointed out that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is a highly sensitive screening method that uses lower radiation doses than standard chest CT scans.

"Studies have shown that LDCT is more effective than chest X-Rays in detecting small nodules and early-stage lung cancers," she said.

From a surgical standpoint, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Leong Kin Seng highlighted that patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer who undergo surgical removal have a five-year survival rate of about 70 per cent, compared to the overall rate of 30 per cent.

"Surgery remains crucial in achieving curative outcomes, especially when cancer is detected early," he said.

In the concluding session, Clinical Oncologist Consultant Dr Eng Jie Yi gave insights into the upcoming 2025 lung cancer treatment outlook.

"Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Selecting the right treatment requires multidisciplinary care, involving specialists, radiologists, dietitians, nurses, psychologists and most importantly, the patient’s own preferences.

"With early detection, the chances of survival are much higher. Lung cancer is no longer a death sentence with the advanced treatments available today,” she said.

Apart from the forum, eligible attendees also received complimentary AI-powered chest X-rays from LCNM, along with low-dose CT scans and consultations.