He Thought Only Smokers Got Lung Cancer – Until He Was Diagnosed

When a colleague known for his healthy lifestyle was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer , the news came as a sobering reminder to everyone at the investment management company where 60-year-old Leung Wing Wah worked.

It prompted many, including Mr Leung, to go for health screenings, suddenly aware that lung cancer could affect even those who seemed to be in good health.

Mr Leung, then general counsel at an investment management company in Singapore, never considered himself at risk. A non-smoker with no family history of lung disease, he exercised regularly and followed a balanced diet. But the health screening led to an unexpected discovery: stage 1 lung cancer.

A hidden threat uncovered

During his health check-up, Mr Leung underwent a routine chest X-ray, which revealed a dark spot in the right cavity of his chest. To investigate further, his doctor recommended a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan — an imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs. The results confirmed the presence of a small malignant tumour.

Dr Su Jang Wen, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital, explains the significance of such screenings. “Low-dose CT is sensitive and can detect nodules as small as four or five millimetres, sometimes even down to one or two millimetres,” says Dr Su.

“They can identify potential tumours at their earliest stages, often before symptoms become apparent. In Mr Leung’s case, the scan revealed stage 1 lung cancer with a tumour measuring 1.8cm. Dr Su explains stage 1 lung cancer offers the best prognosis, as the tumour is still small and has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

“But for screening to be cost-effective, we must carefully consider which groups of patients will benefit the most. There’s always a balance: if we screen too broadly, we risk over-investigating and causing unnecessary anxiety. But if we don’t screen enough, we may miss early-stage cancers that could have been treated effectively,” Dr Su explains.

From diagnosis to surgery in a week

Mr Leung received his diagnosis within a couple of days of his screening. “It took a while for the news to sink in,” he says.

Given the early stage of his cancer, surgery was recommended.

“Lung cancer at stage 1 is often highly treatable with surgery alone,” explains Dr Su. Mr Leung underwent a lobectomy seven days after his diagnosis, during which one-third of his lung was removed to ensure all cancerous tissue was excised.

A new lease on life

Despite a 15% reduction of his lung capacity, Mr Leung, who is an avid squash player and regular jogger, recovered well.

Mr Leung says he is sharing his story not to frighten people, but to give hope, and to show why regular health checks matter. "One simple scan can make all the difference," he says. "If my colleague's diagnosis hadn't prompted me to get checked, my story might have ended very differently."

He continues to prioritise his health with regular follow-ups and an active lifestyle. "I don't take anything for granted anymore," he says. "Health is unpredictable. Screening made a difference for me, and it could be for others, too."