Lung Cancer Screening in KL & Selangor
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Malaysia, accounting for 10% of all cases. And out of those cases, 90% of patients are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease.
At Dr Prevents, we understand the importance of early detection for lung cancer. That’s why we offer cancer detection blood tests, a safe and effective screening tool for lung cancer.
What goes into a Lung Cancer Screening?
When detected early, lung cancer is often treatable.
EarlyCDT-Lung is a blood test that is designed to detect lung cancer in its early stages. It uses a panel of autoantibodies, which are antibodies produced by the body in response to lung cancer cells. These autoantibodies are present in the blood of individuals with lung cancer, even at the early stages of the disease. By detecting these autoantibodies, the EarlyCDT-Lung test can identify individuals who might have lung cancer, even before they show any symptoms.
It’s important to note that EarlyCDT-Lung is not a definitive diagnosis of lung cancer and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as imaging or biopsy.
Who Should Consider Lung Cancer Screening?
Governmental bodies often recommend annual lung cancer screening with LDCT for adults who meet all of the following criteria:
- Age 50 to 80 years old
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history
- Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
- Family history of lung cancer
- History of COPD/asthma
It is also recommended for individuals with indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs) that are currently in a grey area where the presence of lung cancer cannot be confirmed or revoked.
This CDT-Lung Cancer test serves as a valuable tool for early detection. It can aid in timely intervention and management for individuals at high risk or with uncertain pulmonary nodules.
Signs of Lung Cancer to Look Out For
It’s important to understand that many people with early-stage lung cancer don’t experience any symptoms. However, some potential early signs of lung cancer to be aware of include:
Persistent cough: A cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks, or one that gets worse over time, can be a cause for concern.
Coughing up blood: Even coughing up a small amount of blood can be a symptom of lung cancer and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Chest pain or discomfort: Pain or tightness in the chest, especially when you take a deep breath, cough, or laugh, can be a sign of lung cancer.
Shortness of breath: Feeling short of breath, even with minimal exertion, can be an early indicator of lung cancer.
Recurrent respiratory infections: Having frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia could be a red flag.
Catching these signs could be your cue to get a cancer screening to better be safe than sorry. People who develop any of the following problems can speak to one of our doctors who can evaluate these symptoms and develop a diagnostic plan.
What to Expect During Lung Cancer Screening
Before the test, the patient will need to fast for a few hours, typically between 8 to 12 hours. The screening itself will be a brief and painless experience.
Blood Sample: Our staff takes a blood sample from the patient’s vein. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Lab Analysis: The laboratory analysis of the blood sample involves testing for the presence of autoantibodies that are produced by the immune system in response to early-stage lung cancer.
Diagnosis: If the test result is positive, indicating the presence of autoantibodies associated with lung cancer, further tests such as a CT scan or biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
The panel of autoantibodies used in the EarlyCDT-Lung test has been identified through extensive research and clinical studies as highly specific to lung cancer. The test is therefore able to accurately detect the presence of lung cancer in its early stages, before symptoms may appear.
Why Choose Dr. Prevents for Lung Cancer Screening
Advanced Technology
We use advanced technologies and early cancer detection blood tests to provide an accurate screening and keep you informed.
Personalised Care
We are committed to providing you with clear communication and compassionate care throughout the screening process.
Available 24/7
We offer flexible scheduling options to fit your needs. Whether it's the middle of the night or a weekend, a 24-hour clinic is there for you when unexpected health issues arise.
FAQs
The EarlyCDT-Lung test can detect lung cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. However, the accuracy of the test depends on the stage of the cancer and the individual’s risk factors. The test is designed to detect the presence of autoantibodies in the blood that are associated with lung cancer, which can be detected up to 5 years before standard imaging tests can detect the cancer.
The frequency of lung cancer testing is dependent on the individual’s risk factors and medical history. Individuals who have a family history of lung cancer or who are at a higher risk due to smoking should consider regular testing.
The EarlyCDT-Lung test is a simple blood test that does not involve any pain or discomfort. A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm, and the sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
The test offers several advantages, including non-invasiveness (no need for tissue biopsy), convenience (simple blood draw), and the potential for early detection of lung cancer when it may be more treatable and curable.
A positive result on the test indicates the presence of biomarkers associated with lung cancer in the blood. However, it does not necessarily mean that cancer is present. Further diagnostic evaluation, such as imaging tests or tissue biopsies, is needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.
Book An Appointment with Our Doctors!
Let's have a discussion about the EarlyCDT-Lung test and determine if it's right for you. Our doctors will provide comprehensive information and address any concerns, ensuring you receive the highest quality of care. Take the first step towards early detection and prevention of lung cancer.
Prevention is better than cure.