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LETTER | Annual transboundary haze a significant risk factor for lung cancer
LETTER | For over a decade, Malaysians have been forced to breathe seasonally polluted air as transboundary haze blankets our skies.
PM2.5 is one of the most important environmental risk factors for lung cancer - second only to smoking in its global impact.
PM2.5 refers to microscopic airborne particles ≤2.5 micrometres in diameter (about 1/30th the width of a human hair).
Because of their small size, these particles can overcome our upper airway defence and penetrate deep into our lungs, leading to chronic inflammation and various respiratory diseases, including lung cancer.
Therefore, long-term cumulative exposure to the “annual” transboundary regional haze, like what Malaysians have been exposed to over the past decade, has to be regarded as a significant health hazard to society.
This elevated risk of developing lung cancer must be taken seriously today, even though it may not manifest immediately but only years in the future.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysia. It is already the second-most prevalent male cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related mortality.
Among Malaysian women, it is the second most deadly cancer, only after breast cancer.
Ambient air pollution, including haze, is a well-recognised risk factor for lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers.
Every preventative measure possible to reduce the environmental risks of developing this disease should be taken.
Malaysia recently hosted the 17th Asean Health Ministers’ Meeting. As Asean chair, Malaysia must continue to play a pivotal role in dealing with this regional health challenge.
Through leadership initiatives and political will, we can and must tackle this perennial man-made problem.
The health of our beloved nation and innocent rakyat must not be gambled with and placed at the mercy of which way the wind blows.
This statement was issued by Prof Anand Sachithanandan (cardiothoracic surgeon), Dr Tho Lye Mun (clinical oncologist), and Dr Hilmi Lockman (consultant respiratory physician) on behalf of LUNG CANCER NETWORK MALAYSIA.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
LETTER | For over a decade, Malaysians have been forced to breathe seasonally polluted air as transboundary haze blankets our skies.
PM2.5 is one of the most important environmental risk factors for lung cancer - second only to smoking in its global impact.
PM2.5 refers to microscopic airborne particles ≤2.5 micrometres in diameter (about 1/30th the width of a human hair).
Because of their small size, these particles can overcome our upper airway defence and penetrate deep into our lungs, leading to chronic inflammation and various respiratory diseases, including lung cancer.
Therefore, long-term cumulative exposure to the “annual” transboundary regional haze, like what Malaysians have been exposed to over the past decade, has to be regarded as a significant health hazard to society.
This elevated risk of developing lung cancer must be taken seriously today, even though it may not manifest immediately but only years in the future.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysia. It is already the second-most prevalent male cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related mortality.
Among Malaysian women, it is the second most deadly cancer, only after breast cancer.
Ambient air pollution, including haze, is a well-recognised risk factor for lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers.
Every preventative measure possible to reduce the environmental risks of developing this disease should be taken.
Malaysia recently hosted the 17th Asean Health Ministers’ Meeting. As Asean chair, Malaysia must continue to play a pivotal role in dealing with this regional health challenge.
Through leadership initiatives and political will, we can and must tackle this perennial man-made problem.
The health of our beloved nation and innocent rakyat must not be gambled with and placed at the mercy of which way the wind blows.
This statement was issued by Prof Anand Sachithanandan (cardiothoracic surgeon), Dr Tho Lye Mun (clinical oncologist), and Dr Hilmi Lockman (consultant respiratory physician) on behalf of LUNG CANCER NETWORK MALAYSIA.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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