Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and the third most common form of cancer for men and women in Singapore. What is more startling is that 48 percent of non-small-cell lung cancer patients in Singapore were never smokers. Despite modern-day advances, by the time lung cancer signs and symptoms develop, the disease has usually progressed too far for curative treatments to be effective.
Despite the known benefits, lung cancer screening remains too low, with a significant proportion of individuals who meet screening criteria failing to undergo the simple procedure. This is concerning, given the potential for early detection to improve prognosis and increase the chances of survival.
Advances in the field, including the development of new therapeutic options, have made it increasingly possible for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer to achieve long-term remission or even a cure. Therefore, early lung cancer screening is of great importance, as it allows for detecting the disease in its early stages when it is more likely to be treatable.
Several screening tests, including low-dose computed tomography, chest X-ray, and sputum cytology, can detect lung cancer in its early stages. A lung CT scan is the most sensitive and specific thorax screening test for lung cancer and is recommended for individuals at high risk due to their smoking history or other risk factors. The procedure is painless and requires no special preparation.
As there are no symptoms of lung cancer in its early stages, lung screening to detect any abnormalities is important for everyone.
The Neumark Lung Screening Programme provides a range of lung checkups, screening, and diagnostic tests to detect various types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Imaging Test
At the core of Neumark’s comprehensive screening programme is a 10-minute low-dose computed tomography (CT) imaging exam, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and pulmonary functional test, followed by a thorough review of your results with our thoracic surgeons, who are specialists in lung conditions. The screening tool is highly effective at identifying abnormalities in the lungs that may be indicative of cancer.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is a vital assessment tool for thoracic surgeons to evaluate a patient’s heart and lung function during exercise, ensuring optimal surgical readiness and personalised treatment plans for improved health outcomes.
Pulmonary Functional Test
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are comprehensive assessments that measure lung capacity and efficiency, enabling healthcare professionals to diagnose respiratory conditions, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and plan appropriate surgical interventions.
Expert Consultation
It was previously believed that all lung cancers were restricted to smokers; however, we know now that a large percentage of lung cancers are present in individuals who were never smokers. The majority of the lung cancers identified today are non-small cell lung cancers, and the common subtype is adenocarcinomas, which present in both smokers and non-smokers.
Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of lung cancer, routine screenings are still uncommon for non-smoker populations.
Lung cancer screening tests can help identify potential disease growth and allow Neumark surgeons to remove suspicious tissue during the screening process if abnormalities are found. This can reduce the likelihood of developing recurring cancer in the future. In some cases, the screening test may require additional follow-up testing. Regular cancer screening provides the most significant protective benefit.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening is a relatively new medical imaging modality that has been developed to enable the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk individuals and the general population.
A low-dose CT scan is a noninvasive medical test that uses specialised technology that continuously rotates in a spiral motion to take multiple three-dimensional X-ray images, producing detailed images of the inside of the lungs. These highly detailed images can reveal early-stage lung nodules that traditional X-rays may not detect.
The identification of smaller tumours early through a lung cancer CT scan significantly increases the likelihood of diagnosis before the cancer has had an opportunity to metastasise. This opens up treatment options and improves survival outcomes.
This scan is quick and painless. It takes only 1 minute, and no injections, dyes, or oral pills are required. The screening is performed at Gleneagles Medical Centre in Singapore or an affiliated outpatient imaging centre and takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
The low-dose CT lung scans will be sent to Neumark’s thoracic surgeons, who will thoroughly review your test results with you. It is important to note that low-dose CT screening does not definitively diagnose lung cancer but rather shows abnormalities or signs of lung cancer as an early detection tool. If your test shows abnormalities, further testing or treatment may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Patients who seek treatment at the Neumark Lung and Chest Surgical Centre have access to the expertise of Dr Harish Mithiran, director and senior consultant thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles and Mount Alvernia Hospitals in Singapore. To improve patient outcomes, patients benefit from personalised care coordination and groundbreaking minimally invasive treatments using robotic or uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgical modalities.
Insurance may cover the cost of the health lung test screening for most patients who meet the screening criteria. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine their coverage for this type of surgery (see insurance panel list).
A CT scan screening for smokers is a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan specifically designed to detect early signs of lung cancer in current or former smokers who are at high risk
A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening uses about 90 percent less radiation than a standard CT scan while still providing detailed images of the lungs.
No special preparation is usually needed. However, if contrast material will be used, you may be asked to remove metal objects and not eat or drink for a few hours before the scan. The scan usually takes only a few minutes, but the appointment may last about 30 minutes.
A lung check-up may include a physical exam, a discussion of symptoms and risk factors, lung function tests, and imaging studies like CT scans. The frequency depends on your risk factors. High-risk individuals (e.g., smokers and those with a family history of lung disease) may need annual check-ups, while others may need them less frequently.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship and no medical advice should be inferred or assumed. It is the user’s sole responsibility to seek the advice of their healthcare professionals for any medical concerns they may have and the user should not disregard, or delay, prompt medical advice for any such condition.
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Main Surgery Centre
6 Napier Rd
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary surgical team led by Dr Harish Mithiran, a senior consulting thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital.
With access to leading minimally-invasive treatment modalities for lung disease and chest conditions, our specialists in Singapore work to achieve the best possible outcomes for lung disease. Our foremost priority is to treat your condition as effectively as possible with world-class care.
6 Napier Road
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
© 2024 Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre Pte. Ltd. | UEN 202136971R
Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road
#02-09 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
#06-07 Medical Centre A
Singapore 574623
