9 Out of Every 10 Lung Cancer Cases Can Be Prevented

Approximately 2.64 million people worldwide are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, while 1.86 million people lose their lives due to the disease. Tobacco use, the most important risk factor for the disease, is also at the top of the list of preventable causes. Experts draw attention to the importance of regular health check-ups for early diagnosis, especially for people who have smoked for many years, and to the importance of participating in screening programs suitable for their risk status.

Lung cancer is among the cancer types that cause the most deaths worldwide. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Erdoğan from the Thoracic Surgery Department of Memorial Antalya Hastanesi provided information about the disease's risk factors, early diagnosis methods, prevention methods and current treatment options within the scope of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, held from November 1-30.

Lung cancer may not show symptoms in the early period

According to the GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.64 million new lung cancer cases occur worldwide each year, and approximately 1.86 million people lose their lives due to this disease. In Türkiye, it is stated that approximately 31 thousand people were diagnosed with lung cancer in the last year, and approximately 25 thousand people lost their lives due to the disease.

The fact that a significant portion of cases are detected at an advanced stage increases the importance of early diagnosis. Lung cancer can progress initially without causing noticeable complaints. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may have reached an advanced stage.

The biggest cause of lung cancer is smoking

The most important and preventable risk factor for lung cancer stands out as the use of tobacco and tobacco products. The risk of the disease increases significantly, especially in individuals who have smoked for many years and are over the age of 50. Data from Türkiye show that approximately 90 percent of lung cancer cases in men and 43 percent in women are associated with tobacco use. Passive smoking is also among the important factors that increase the risk.

However, lung cancer is not only seen in people who smoke. Exposure to radon gas, asbestos, silica, heavy metals, diesel exhaust fumes, air pollution and certain occupational chemicals can also increase the risk of the disease. Genetic predisposition, family history and chronic lung diseases are among the other risk factors.

Quitting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer

The most effective way to protect against lung cancer is to never start smoking and to stay away from tobacco products. For people who smoke, quitting tobacco products is of great importance in reducing the risk of disease.

Protecting against passive smoking, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and using protective equipment against occupational exposures also contribute to protection. Regular ventilation of enclosed spaces and reducing exposure to air pollution as much as possible are also among the precautions that can be taken.

Pay attention to persistent cough and hoarseness!

The early-stage symptoms of lung cancer can be confused with other diseases. For this reason, complaints that persist for a long time or change in character should be taken into consideration. The main symptoms that can be seen in the disease are listed as follows:

- Cough that does not go away for a long time or changes in character

- Blood in the sputum

- Shortness of breath

- Chest pain

- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue

- Hoarseness

- Difficulty swallowing

It is important for individuals in the high-risk group, especially those who have smoked heavily for many years or have quit smoking, to undergo regular physician check-ups. Screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in people in the appropriate risk group can contribute to detecting lung cancer at an early stage and reducing the risk of death due to the disease.

Chance of success increases with surgical treatment at an early stage

In lung cancer, the treatment plan is determined according to the stage of the disease, the cellular characteristics and molecular structure of the tumor, as well as the patient's general health condition. Surgical treatment stands out as an important option, especially in non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed at an early stage.

In suitable patients whose tumor has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, surgical intervention can increase the chance of long-term disease control and complete recovery. One of the most commonly applied surgical methods in lung cancer is lobectomy, which means removing the lobe of the lung where the tumor is located. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, more limited surgical procedures such as segmentectomy or wedge resection can also be preferred.

Today, in suitable patients, surgery can be performed with smaller incisions using closed surgical methods. With these methods, it is aimed to reduce post-operative pain and length of hospital stay, and to enable patients to return to their daily lives in a shorter time.

Depending on the stage and characteristics of the disease, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also be added to surgical treatment. In advanced-stage disease, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy can be applied alone or in combination.

In the fight against lung cancer, early diagnosis increases treatment options while also making a significant contribution to life expectancy. Staying away from cigarettes and tobacco products, participation of people in the risk group in appropriate screening programs, and consulting a physician without wasting time when suspicious symptoms appear are important for the prevention and early detection of the disease.