KUALA LUMPUR: Many cases of lung cancer recorded among non-smokers are due to exposure to second-hand smoke , third-hand smoke , or air pollution.
"Besides lung cancer, SHS and THS also contribute to other respiratory problems including asthma attacks, bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease because cigarette smoke can affect lung tissue elasticity and cause inflammation in the respiratory passages. "Exposure to SHS and THS at home, in public places such as eateries or workplaces, as well as in vehicles, can increase the likelihood of developing respiratory diseases in the long term," he said.
LDCT is a single- breath high-resolution non-contrasted chest scan that requires no insertion of needles, blood test or prior fasting. "This is still under clinical investigation, as well as efforts to develop the potential use of blood tests as biomarkers to improve lung cancer detection outcomes during screening," he said, adding that lung cancer screening among non-smokers remains a challenge that needs to be addressed.