Sriphat Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University warns of soaring lung cancer risk in Northern Thailand

Alarming statistics from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicate that in 2025, Thailand saw approximately 140,000 new cancer cases per year (nearly 400 per day), with around 83,000 deaths. In particular, “lung cancer”is one of the most common cancers among Thai people and ranks as the number one cause of cancer-related death, with 15,022 deaths per year (about 41 per day). These figures clearly reflect that lung cancer is the leading health threat that must be screened for as early as possible.

This situation is even more severe in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, which have faced a persistent PM2.5 dust crisis for many years—especially from February to April, when levels often surge to multiple times above WHO standards. These pollutants act like tiny carcinogens that trigger chronic inflammation and cause lung cell mutations. As a result, even non-smokers are at high risk. Most concerning is that over 85% of patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed, because early-stage lung cancer typically shows no symptoms.

To address this crisis, Johnson & Johnson (Thailand) Limited, together with AIA Thailand (AIA) and supported by Sriphat Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University—a key treatment hub in Northern Thailand—held a seminar titled “Know Lung Cancer: Detect Early, Treat Precisely.” The event aimed to educate the public about lung cancer, including prevention, proper screening, and modern treatment options, emphasizing integrated, patient-centered care.

The seminar highlighted the importance of medical innovations, from AI-assisted chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans (Low Dose CT) for screening. If lesions are detected early, patients can receive minimally invasive surgery (MIS) via thoracoscopy, which offers small incisions, less trauma, faster recovery, and high chances of cure. The event also emphasized targeted drug therapies, which can improve survival rates and quality of life when the disease is advanced—reinforcing that early detection and precise treatment greatly increase the chance of cure.

Sriphat Medical Center also stresses the role of a Multidisciplinary Team, from the start of the treatment journey, involving pulmonologists, radiologists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists to develop individualized care plans for each patient.

At this seminar, specialist physicians provided comprehensive guidance on lung cancer management. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patraporn Tajaroenmuang, a pulmonologist and critical respiratory care specialist, stated that the main risk factor remains smoking, including e-cigarettes, but air pollution such as PM2.5 must not be overlooked. Research also supports genetics as another risk factor. Even more dangerous is that early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms; however, if warning signs occur—such as chronic cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or persistent chest pain—people should see a doctor immediately.

Reinforcing proactive screening with advanced diagnostic imaging, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chantima Ueatrongchit, a radiology specialist and President of the Royal College of Radiologists, emphasized that lung cancer screening is a crucial turning point that can significantly reduce mortality. She concluded that annual low-dose CT scans should be done to detect disease early in high-risk groups, such as heavy smokers, people aged 50–80, those regularly exposed to PM2.5, incense smoke, or asbestos, or those with a first-degree relative with lung cancer.

Regarding treatment, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somcharoen Saeteng, a thoracic surgeon specializing in lung surgery, added that early-stage lung cancer can be treated effectively with surgery, and that today’s highly effective technology is thoracoscopic lung surgery, developed to enable minimally invasive procedures with smaller wounds, less injury, faster recovery, and quicker return to normal life—aligning with patient needs and modern treatment approaches.

In addition, lung cancer treatment continues to advance—especially Targeted Therapy, which uses genetic testing results from cancer cells to guide treatment planning. Dr. Songporn Olarattanachai, an oncologist at Sriphat Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, explained that metastatic lung cancer patients may have detectable genetic abnormalities that can inform targeted therapy decisions. This approach focuses on destroying cancer cells with specific abnormalities, helping many patients control the disease better and maintain improved quality of life during treatment. Outcomes depend on the type of gene mutation found, the stage of disease, and the specialist’s individualized assessment.

Beyond medical innovation, the event also integrated health security aspects. Dr. Somsakul Sripisut, Medical Director, Health Management Administration, AIA Thailand, provided basic knowledge about cancer health insurance to help people access innovative treatments without worrying about financial burden. Basic health check activities were also organized to encourage Chiang Mai residents to recognize that “If lung cancer is detected early, there is a chance of complete cure.”