Experts warn about lung cancer screening tests

Some people believe that lung cancer can be detected by a blood test. However, experts say this should be treated with caution.

Bệnh nhân ung thư điều trị tại Bệnh viện TP Thủ Đức. Ảnh: Chí Hùng.

Cancer patients receiving treatment at Thu Duc City Hospital. (Source: Vietnamnet)

The above information was shared by international experts at the Lung Cancer Conference organized by Thu Duc City Hospital (HCMC) on the morning of May 20. The conference was attended by oncologists from Israel, Singapore, and Japan.

According to Professor Nir Peled of Shaare Zedek Medical Center (Israel), lung cancer screening is a national program in Israel and is free of charge.

High-risk individuals such as those over 50 years of age and heavy smokers will undergo low-dose CT scans of the lungs, possibly combined with respiratory function assessments, at local hospitals. If abnormalities are detected, the patient will be referred to specialized cancer centers.

He said there is currently no solid scientific evidence that blood tests can screen for cancer. In Israel, blood tests must be performed in conjunction with other techniques, such as low-dose CT scans of the lungs, to make an accurate assessment.

“Blood tests do not have enough evidence and scientific basis to be performed alone in cancer screening. In addition, the cost of blood tests in this case is higher than the cost of low-dose CT scans,” said Dr. Nir Peled.

Agreeing, Dr. Ooi Wei Seong, Medical Director of ICS, Singapore, said that this index of lung cancer in the blood CEA is only correct in about 20% of cases. At the same time, this index also increases when testing a person who is a smoker.

In Singapore, lung cancer screening is still mainly based on the needs and economic capacity of each patient. The most commonly used technique is also low-dose CT scan of the lungs. Patients who detect tumors through screening will be treated according to the situation. Small tumors that appear to be benign will be monitored periodically.

Also at the conference this morning, Dr. Vu Tri Thanh, Deputy Executive Director of Thu Duc City Hospital, said that lung cancer is leading the world in both new cases and mortality rates.

In our country, lung cancer ranks second after liver cancer, with about 23,600 new cases and 20,700 deaths each year. Some causes that increase the risk of lung cancer are smoking, environmental pollution, occupations related to radiation or asbestos, and genetic factors.

Today, the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lung cancer have improved due to advances in modern medicine. Early detection and timely treatment can give cancer patients a chance of recovery.

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