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Lung Cancer: Highlights On The Psychological, Physical Impacts On Patients And Caregivers

Pedro Matos Rosa, Managing Director, Gulf, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.

Published: Fri 4 Oct 2024, 3:44 PM

Lung cancer is a major health concern in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), it ranks among the top three most common cancers in Kuwait. Lung cancer was the fifth most common cancer among males and the seventeenth among females in Saudi Arabia as of 2020.

In 2020, around 226 new cases were reported in the UAE, making lung cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Additionally, it is more prevalent among men compared to women. Globally, lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, in part because it's usually diagnosed at a late stage.

While the incidence and mortality rates in the GCC are generally lower than in other regions, the prevalence of lung cancer in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region has steadily increased in recent years. This rise is typically linked to poor prognosis, as most cases are detected late.

Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Regular screenings, especially for high-risk individuals, play a key role in early detection. Low-dose CT scans can identify lung cancer at an earlier stage, significantly enhancing the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Dr Shaheenah Dawood, consultant medical oncologist, director of cancer research and professor of oncology Mediclinic Hospital, said: "Lung cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges, and we are dedicated to advancing research, early detection, and innovative treatments to improve patient outcomes. By collaborating with leading experts and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to make meaningful strides in combating this disease. Our commitment is to provide hope and enhance the quality of life for those affected by lung cancer, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care and support."

Types of lung cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer; small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for about 85 per cent of all cases. It doesn't grow and spread as fast as small-cell lung cancer. Common symptoms associated with NSCLC with EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) Exon 20 insertions, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cough and weight loss, contribute significantly to the overall humanistic burden of the disease. Exon 20 insertions constitute about 4-10 per cent of EGFR-mutated NSCLC cases globally.

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) significantly affects patients' lives, creating substantial humanistic and functional burdens. Sixty per cent of patients report difficulties with self-care and household chores, while 50 per cent face challenges with work activities and social engagements.

Additionally, 40 per cent experience a negative impact on family life. Furthermore, 60 per cent of patients are concerned about their treatment options, financial stability, and future prospects. Patients with NSCLC often experience debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea and pain, which can lead to a decline in physical function and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Economic burden

The global economic burden of lung cancer is substantial, reflecting both direct medical costs and broader economic impacts due to loss of productivity. Recent studies estimate that between 2020 and 2050, the economic cost of lung cancer alone is projected to be around $3.9 trillion. This makes lung cancer one of the most financially impactful cancers worldwide due to its high incidence and mortality rates.

The burden extends beyond physical symptoms, impacting mental health and social functioning. Many patients report difficulties in maintaining employment and engaging in social activities due to their condition. Additionally, the emotional and psychological stress associated with managing such a severe illness further exacerbates their overall burden.

Lung cancer treatment poses a substantial impact on healthcare systems across the GCC. Costs include hospitalisation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as indirect costs such as loss of productivity and long-term care. Patients often face emotional distress, stigma associated with smoking and complex treatment regimens. Families also have the emotional toll of caregiving and coping with a loved one's illness.

Pedro Matos Rosa, managing director, Gulf, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, said: "We know that cancer has a devastating effect on those diagnosed and their loved ones. Our fight to eradicate cancer is never-ending as we collaborate with the brightest minds in the industry and leverage AI and genomics to transform lung cancer treatment. Our aim is to not only take down the disease but to change and save lives. Our aim is to be in front of cancer."

Targeted therapy, which attacks specific cancer cells without harming normal cells, and immunotherapy, which empowers the body's immune system to fight cancer, are among the innovative treatments being developed.

In the Gulf region, Johnson & Johnson is dedicated to advancing lung cancer treatment through innovative research and localised initiatives such as screening programs. By collaborating with regional healthcare providers and leveraging their global expertise, Johnson & Johnson aims to bring cutting-edge cancer treatments and support systems to patients in the Gulf region, ensuring that lung cancer becomes a thing of the past for everyone.

Lung Cancer News

Sep. 11, 2024 — A team of doctors and researchers have identified a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer that primarily affects younger people who have never ...

Apr. 11, 2024 — Although lung cancer is traditionally thought of as a 'smoker's disease,' a surprising 15-20% of newly diagnosed lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked, many of whom are in ...

Mar. 26, 2024 — A new study suggest that using CXCL9 and CXCL10-producing dendritic cells alongside immunotherapy can be a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance and improve clinical outcomes for ...

Mar. 11, 2024 — Scientists trained a machine-learning algorithm to predict accurately brain metastasis using biopsy samples from early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients. It was also highly accurate in ...

Feb. 28, 2024 — Researchers built a new atlas of lung cells, uncovering new cellular pathways and precursors in the development of lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer. These findings open the ...

Feb. 23, 2024 — A new study identified a set of 140 genes that may help predict enhanced disease-free survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with a combination of immunotherapy and ...

Feb. 15, 2024 — Biomedical engineers have developed a technique that uses inhalation of exosomes, or nanobubbles, to directly deliver IL-12 mRNA to the lungs of ...

Feb. 14, 2024 — Scientists have long thought of the fluid-filled sac around our lungs merely as a cushion from external damage. Turns out, it also houses potent virus-eating cells that rush into the lungs during flu ...

Feb. 8, 2024 — Lung tumors called adenocarcinomas sometimes respond to initially effective treatments by transforming into a much more aggressive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that spreads rapidly and has few ...

Feb. 7, 2024 — Scientists discovered a novel self-perpetuating cancer mechanism in the lung microenvironment, wherein EGFR-driven lung adenocarcinoma cells exploit lung-resident macrophages -- remodeling them to ...

Dec. 12, 2023 — By monitoring changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) among 30 patients treated with immunotherapies for metastatic non-small cell lung cancers, researchers were able to determine molecular response ...

Dec. 6, 2023 — Researchers have identified an allergy pathway that, when blocked, unleashes antitumor immunity in mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  And in an early parallel study in humans, ...

Nov. 29, 2023 — The largest review of papers for brain cancer that has spread from the lungs has found abnormalities in the brain cancer and for which licensed drugs could be clinically trialed to find out if they ...

Nov. 17, 2023 — Research shows that some lung cancer cells retain a 'memory' of the healthy cell where they came from -- one that might be exploited to make an emerging type of lung cancer treatment ...

Nov. 14, 2023 — A new study has discovered asbestos exposure led to a higher incidence of asbestos-related lung cancers in British and Australian naval personnel than in other armed ...

Oct. 11, 2023 — Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is mainly caused by asbestos exposure and characterized by poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. A recent research study identified the oncoprotein YB-1 as an ...

Sep. 22, 2023 — A novel drug target has been newly identified in the fight against drug resistance in cancer ...

Sep. 21, 2023 — Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 15 percent of all diagnosed lung cancers and is still associated with a high mortality rate. SCLC tumours often develop resistance to chemotherapy and thus ...

Sep. 12, 2023 — An international team of researchers has demonstrated that a combination of inhibitors may suppress tumor growth and prevent relapse in patients with certain cancers, including head and neck squamous ...

Sep. 4, 2023 — Scientists have discovered two new genes that cause head and neck cancer patients to be resistant to chemotherapy, and that silencing either gene can make cancer cells previously unresponsive to ...

5 Reasons Nonsmokers Get Diagnosed With Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is often associated with smokers or former smokers, and though doctors say about 80% of cases occur in smokers or former smokers, an alarming 20% of cases affect people who have never smoked.

"A variety of environmental factors, aside from smoking, can contribute to someone's lung cancer risk, but the type of lung cancer that nonsmokers develop often differs from the type of lung cancer that smokers develop," said Dr. Mohan Kulkarni, a thoracic surgeon at Henry Ford Health. "While lung cancer in smokers forms as a roundish spot, lung cancer in nonsmokers is diffused or less concentrated to one area. Lung cancer in nonsmokers is also usually slower growing."

It is important to note that outcomes for nonsmokers who are diagnosed with lung cancer tends to be more favorable than smokers. That's according to a recent study in which Henry Ford Health participated.

"Never-smokers may have better lung cancer outcomes partly because they are generally healthier," said Christine Neslund-Dudas, Ph.D., an associate research scientist at Henry Ford Health who contributed to the study. "They're able to fight cancer and tolerate treatment better than heavy smokers. "While we've known active smoking is related to poor outcomes of lung and other cancers, we wanted to look into this further because there's been a rising number of never-smokers who are developing lung cancer.

Kulkarni identified five different environmental risk factors for lung cancer beyond smoking, and offered advice on how to reduce exposure:

1. Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral fiber used in construction for its durability and heat resistance, can cause lung cancer. Although banned in many applications, it may still be present in older buildings.

"Before embarking upon construction projects -- especially if you live in an old home -- have a trained professional determine whether you have asbestos and where it is," Kulkarni said.

Safe removal by professionals is crucial to prevent airborne fibers from harming your lungs.

2. High-temperature cooking

Asian females who never smoked are increasingly developing lung cancer, partly due to high-temperature cooking methods like stir-frying.

"Frequently cooking with oil at high heat creates carcinogens that are detrimental to the lungs."

To reduce this risk, it's important to have good kitchen ventilation and use other cooking methods like steaming or microwaving.

3. Outdoor air pollution

Pollutants from vehicles, industrial sources and wildfires can harm lung health.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are likely hundreds of thousands of lung cancer deaths worldwide that can be attributed to particulate matter (PM) pollution -- particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.

PM particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. To minimize exposure, check air quality on airnow.Gov before going outside and consider using an air purifier at home.

4. Radon gas

After smoking, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The colorless, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas is found in soil.

Radon usually isn't a threat when it's outside because it disperses rapidly. However, radon can accumulate in basements through cracks in the foundation, which can become a health risk.

Testing for radon is essential, either through home inspections or DIY kits. If radon levels are high, professionals can install ventilation systems or increase air changes in the home.

5. Second and thirdhand smoke

Secondhand smoke contributes to lung cancer risk, but thirdhand smoke is also harmful.

"Thirdhand smoke is just as bad for you as secondhand smoke," Kulkarni said. "When someone smokes, cancer-causing chemicals cling to surfaces like clothing, hair, rugs, carpets, furniture, vehicles, bedding, drapes and walls."

These chemicals build up over time and are difficult to remove. Washing walls and ceilings with detergent and hot water can help, while clothing and bedding may need several washing cycles. Carpets, furniture and any thirdhand smoke absorbed behind walls or in insulation may require replacement.

"Many people often don't experience symptoms of lung cancer -- like a worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing and more -- until lung cancer has progressed to stage 3 or 4, where it has spread outside of the lungs," Dr. Kulkarni warns. "If you are worried about potential environmental exposures and your lung cancer risk, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor."

To reduce your exposure to lung cancer risks, you can do things like get an air purifier for your home or check the air quality before you commit to outdoor activities.

To learn more about lung cancer and Henry Ford Health, tap or click here.

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