Why is early diagnosis important in lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the type of cancer that causes the most deaths today. Approximately 1.6 million people die every year due to this disease. The most important reason why it is so deadly is its late diagnosis. Complaints such as cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pain, spitting often occur when the disease reaches an advanced stage.

 

Is it possible to completely recover in lung cancer?

When all lung cancer patients are evaluated, only 18 of 100 patients can recover. The most important reason for this is most of the patients can be diagnosed late on stage 3 or stage 4. However, when the disease can be detected very early, the success rate of treatment can be up to 90%.

 

What does early diagnosis mean in lung cancer?

It means the detection of the disease before the cancer tissue grows and spreads to the environment and without any complaints seen.

 

Why is early diagnosis difficult in lung cancer?

A small two-centimeter small lesion on the skin can be detected immediately with a careful eye. In breast examination, we can evaluate ourselves at home by hand. We cannot see the lung tissue with our eyes and we cannot touch it with our hands.

When the cancer tissue in the lung tissue is very small, it may not cause pain, shortness of breath, may not cause complaints such as weight loss, cough sputum and spitting blood, and may not be seen on the chest xray.

In summary, when the disease is still small, that is, in the early stages and in a curable condition, it hides very well and does not reveal itself.

 

Is early diagnosis possible in lung cancer?

In recent years, with the success of screening programs in breast, cervical and colon cancer, early detection rates and treatment chances have increased and mortality rates have decreased. These datas have once again demonstrated the necessity of lung cancer screening programs. A 2011 study of 53000 people showed that there was a significant reduction in lung cancer-related mortality rates with low-dose lung tomography taken annually in smokers who have not yet complained. In the light of other studies conducted later, low dose lung tomography is recommended for early diagnosis of lung cancer. However, it should be remembered that quitting smoking and not drinking at all is the most important and effective method of preventing lung cancer.

** Evaluation of healthy individuals in especially risky group is important in lung cancer screening.

 

Who are at risk:

 

- Do you smoke regularly? (most important risk factor)

- You quit smoking, but not more than 15 years?

- Do family members have lung cancer?

- Do you have COPD or interstitial lung disease?

- Have you ever had cancer?

- Have you ever received chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the chest area?

- Have you been in contact with risky substances such as asbestos and arsenic nickel?