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Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease with a high mortality rate, not only in Vietnam but across the world. While smoking is the leading cause, there has been a notable rise in lung cancer cases among individuals who have never smoked. What’s behind this alarming trend? Let H PLUS International Medical Center help you uncover the truth behind this growing concern.

TÓM TẮT BÀI VIẾT

The Current State of Lung Cancer Incidence

According to the Korean Association for Lung Cancer, lung cancer in non-smokers refers to cases in individuals who have never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. This highlights that even those who have never regularly smoked still face a significant risk.
Statistics show that 30–40% of lung cancer patients fall into this non-smoker group.

In Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Health, lung cancer ranks second in new cancer diagnoses, and its mortality rate remains extremely high.

A Rising Number of Female Patients

Data from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service indicates that from 2019 to 2023, the number of female lung cancer patients rose by approximately 36%, from 37,261 to 58,570.
At Hanoi Oncology Hospital, the lung cancer incidence among women is currently 7 per 100,000 people.

Dr. Min Joo-won, pulmonologist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, noted:

“Lung cancer is often difficult to detect early, as symptoms like coughing or phlegm can easily be mistaken for common illnesses. The rising number of female patients in recent years is partly due to increasing smoking rates among women, but environmental factors such as fine dust and cooking smoke also play a major role in disease development.”

What Causes Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers?

While smokers are 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, a growing number of lung cancer cases in non-smokers are being attributed to secondhand smoke. Unlike smokers—whose respiratory systems filter some harmful substances—non-smokers exposed to passive smoke receive direct exposure to carcinogens without any protection.

Other contributing factors include:

Air pollution, especially fine and ultrafine particulate matter
Indoor smoke from cooking
Exposure to harmful substances such as radon and asbestos
Chronic stress and family history of cancer

Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Because the lungs do not have pain-sensing nerves, lung cancer typically does not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms finally appear, the disease has often advanced, making treatment more difficult.

Common symptoms include:

Unexplained weight loss
Persistent coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood

These symptoms are frequently overlooked, especially among non-smokers, who often assume they are minor respiratory issues.

How to Prevent Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is dangerous and has a low survival rate if detected late. However, early detection and surgical intervention can be life-saving.
The 5-year relative survival rate is around 30%, but this drops to just 8.9% in stage 4 cases — a stark contrast.

Yet, only 5–15% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed early. Since early symptoms are often vague or absent, proactive screening is crucial.

The Ministry of Health recommends:

Annual chest CT scans for high-risk individuals:
- Aged 55 and older
- Those who have smoked more than one pack per day for over 30 years
Even if you’re not high-risk, if you have a family history of lung cancer or underlying conditions such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, you should undergo regular lung check-ups.

Quitting Smoking Makes a Difference

If you’re a smoker, the most important step you can take is to quit now:

After 5 years, your lung cancer risk begins to decline
After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer mortality is cut in half
After 15 years, your risk approaches that of someone who has never smoked

Expert Insight from H PLUS

Dr. Min Joo-won adds:

“Studies show a clear reduction in lung cancer deaths among high-risk individuals who undergo annual screening. If you have weakened lung function, routine check-ups are essential. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular aerobic exercise, and wearing a mask on high-pollution days or while cooking can help protect your lungs effectively.”

Be Proactive – Screen for Lung Cancer Early at H PLUS

H PLUS International Medical Center offers high-quality lung cancer screening packages, supported by attractive promotional programs to make preventive healthcare more accessible.

Why Choose H PLUS for Lung Cancer Screening?

Top medical experts: Our experienced, compassionate doctors are committed to accurate diagnosis and proactive support
Advanced diagnostic equipment: We use the latest technologies to ensure accurate, fast results
Reasonable pricing: Screening packages are available from basic to advanced levels, tailored to your needs

Early detection saves lives. Don’t let cost or time become a barrier — protect your health today.

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Phòng khám Đa khoa Quốc tế H PLUS | H PLUS International Medical Center

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