[Lung Cancer] Hong Kong’s No. 1 Cancer Killer: Early Warning Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Hong Kong and the leading cause of cancer deaths. According to data from the Centre for Health Protection, there were 5,978 new cases of lung cancer in 2021, accounting for 15.5% of all new cancer cases in Hong Kong. In other words, one in ten  new cancer is a lung cancer. Sadly, 3,782 people lost their lives to lung cancer in 2022, representing 25.7% of all cancer-related deaths. While the overall death rate has shown signs of decline, lung cancer remains a major health threat that cannot be overlooked. Learn more in this article about the early signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer to help you stay one step ahead. 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In its early stages, lung cancer usually shows no obvious warning signs and is therefore hard to detect. Many patients often develop noticeable symptoms only in mid to late stages, by which time the best opportunity for treatment has already passed. Common symptoms of lung cancer include: 

• Persistent cough 
• Coughing up blood 
• Chest tightness or pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Bone pain 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 

In more severe cases, patients may also develop less common symptoms, such as: 

• Clubbing (enlargement and deformation) of fingers or toes 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Swelling of the face and neck 
• Hoarseness of voice 

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to be alert and seek medical advice promptly for examination and diagnosis.  

How Can Lung Cancer Be Detected Early? 

Since early warning signs are often subtle, regular chest and lung check-ups are recommended for high-risk groups, such as smokers or those frequently exposed to second-hand smoke, to detect abnormalities early. Common screening methods include: 

Chest X-ray 

Chest X-ray is a common radiological test that uses X-rays to pass through the body and produce an image of the lungs on a film. It is one of the most basic methods for lung cancer screening. It helps doctors detect abnormalities such as shadows, masses, or other changes in the lungs. 

Sputum Cytology 

When a tumour develops in the lung, cancer cells may shed and mix into the sputum. Doctors can examine the cells of the sputum under a microscope and assess the cells’ shape, size, and staining characteristics to determine whether cancer cells are present. 

Bronchoscopy 

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows direct observation of the inside of the airways. Using a thin, flexible scope inserted through the mouth or nose, doctors can examine the mucosa, tumours, or other abnormalities inside the trachea and bronchi, and take tissue samples for pathological testing to confirm a diagnosis. 

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan 

Computed Tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and computer technology to capture images of the body’s internal tissues from multiple angles, which are then combined into a 3D image. Compared totraditional X-ray, CT scan provides a clearer view of lung abnormalities, including the size, shape, and location of tumours and their relationship to surrounding tissues. This makes it particularly helpful for detecting lung cancer at an early stage. 

Low-dose Chest Computed Tomography (LDCT) Scan  

Designed specifically for early lung cancer screening, LDCT scan uses lower radiation than traditional CT scan but still provides high-resolution images. It can detect smaller lung lesions, making it a common tool for early lung cancer screening. 

Treatment Options for Lung Cancer 

Surgery 

Surgery is one of the main treatments for lung cancer. Its purpose is to remove cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. The scope of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumour as well as the patient’s overall health. Common procedures include lobectomy (removing one lung lobe), bilobectomy (removal of two lobes), or pneumonectomy (removing an entire lung).  

To reduce pain and speed up recovery, doctors often recommend minimally invasive surgery. This technique uses an endoscope and small surgical instruments inserted through a few tiny incisions in the chest, allowing the surgeon to operate while viewing the area on a screen. Compared with traditional open-chest surgery, minimally invasive procedures leave smaller wounds, cause less bleeding, shorten recovery time, and reduce post-operative discomfort. 

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy (also called “chemo”) is a common treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. The doctor administers anti-cancer drugs through intravenous injection or oral medication so that the drugs enter the bloodstream and reach all parts of the body, attacking cancer cells throughout. The treatment cycles vary depending on the patient’s condition, the type of cancer cells, and how the body responds to the medication. 

Radiotherapy 

Radiotherapy (also known as “radiation therapy”) uses high-energy rays to target tumours and destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments to improve effectiveness. Radiotherapy is mainly divided into external radiation and internal radiation. External radiation, the most common form, uses large radiotherapy machines to deliver high-energy rays to the tumour from outside the body. Internal radiation, on the other hand, places radioactive material directly inside or near the tumour, so the cancer can be targeted from within. 

Targeted Therapy 

Targeted therapy is an emerging approach to cancer treatment. Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs that attack cells throughout the body, targeted therapy focuses on attacking cancer cells specifically, blocking their growth, division, and spread. Compared with traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy generally has fewer side effects and causes less harm to healthy cells. 

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) 

RFA is a minimally invasive treatment that uses high-frequency electrical currents to destroy tumour cells. During the procedure, the patient is given local or general anaesthesia. Guided by imaging techniques such as CT scans, the doctor inserts a thin electrode needle precisely into the lung tumour. The needle releases high-frequency currents that heat and coagulate the tumour tissue. This process destroys the cancer cells. 

Cryosurgery 

Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses extremely low temperatures to destroy cancer cells. Under general anesthesia, doctors insert a cryoprobe into the lung tumour with the aid of a bronchoscope. Liquid nitrogen at –200 °C is then delivered through the probe, rapidly freezing the tumour tissue and causing the cells to rupture and die. This treatment is mainly used for small lung tumours, particularly early-stage lung cancer found in the branches of the airways. Because cryosurgery causes minimal damage to nearby healthy tissue and can be repeated, it may also be used again if the cancer recurs. 

The above information is for reference only. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor for professional medical advice. 

If you are unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer, how can you protect yourself and your family? 

Treating lung cancer requires substantial medical expenses. If you have purchased critical illness insurance in advance, it can provide sufficient financial support for you and your family to get through the challenges of cancer treatment together. 

Generali Life (Hong Kong) Limited’s LionAlong Critical Illness Insurance Plan offers comprehensive protection covering 139 diseases, including 69 major critical illnesses, 69 early-stage or minor illnesses¹ and one surgical excision of benign tumour. In addition to the first Major Critical Illness Benefit, the plan provides up to four claims of Multiple Major Critical Illness Benefit² ³ for cancer, stroke and heart attack, with each payout up to 100% of the sum insured. During treatment, the plan also provides an immediate monthly income of 2% of the sum insured, payable up to five times for a total of 120% of the sum insured. For cancer-related surgeries⁴, an extra 20% of the sum insured will be paid, standing by customers throughout treatment and recovery. Moreover, even if a Major Critical Illness Benefit has been paid, a Death Benefit equals to 20% of the sum insured remains in place, giving you and your family all-round financial protection for the future.