A Review: Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer patients in Thailand
Keywords:
Lung cancer epidemiology, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)Abstract
Lung cancer is a prominent cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with increasing incidence and mortality rates in Thailand. This review delves into the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in Thailand. In 2021, lung cancer accounted for 17.9% of all cancer-related deaths, with a rising trend in incidence observed between 2012 and 2022. SCLC, characterized by its aggressive nature, constituted 4.5% of all lung cancer cases in Thailand between 2016 and 2021. Notably fatal, SCLC exhibited a higher mortality rate than NSCLC, with distinct survival rates in limited and extensive stages. NSCLC, comprising various subtypes, dominated the lung cancer landscape in Thailand, with adenocarcinoma being the most prevalent.
The review emphasizes smoking as a primary risk factor for lung cancer, despite a decline in smoking prevalence. Radon exposure, especially in upper-northern Thailand, emerges as a significant contributor to lung cancer incidence, with a notable proportion of deaths linked to indoor radon exposure. Additionally, air pollution, characterized by PM 2.5 and other pollutants, is implicated in lung cancer development, mirroring global trends.
This comprehensive review underscores the critical need for targeted interventions to address the rising burden of lung cancer in Thailand. Efforts should focus on smoking cessation programs, radon exposure mitigation, and air quality improvement to curb the escalating rates of lung cancer and enhance public health outcomes. Ongoing research and surveillance are crucial for refining preventive strategies and advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between environmental factors and lung cancer in the Thai population.
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