Lung cancer is among the most common cancers in the world and in our country. Experts underline that lung cancer detected at an early stage can be treated. So, what should be considered in order to detect lung cancer at an early stage? How is lung cancer screening done? Thoracic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ozkan Demirhan explained.
Sharing striking data about lung cancer, Assoc. Dr. Özkan Demirhan said, “It has been stated that there will be nearly 20 million new cancer cases in 2025 due to the increase in the world population and the aging of the population. In our country, approximately 160 thousand new cancer diagnoses are made every year. At this rate, it is reported that it can reach up to 400 thousand in 2023. In our country, deaths from cancer in both men and women are seen in the second place after cardiovascular system diseases. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and ranks first among the causes of death due to cancer. While it was a rare disease at the beginning of the 20th century, it has become a valuable disease all over the world since the 1950s, especially with the increase in the use of tobacco and tobacco works and environmental pollution.” said.
The risk is doubled in those with a family history of lung cancer.
Emphasizing the value of genetic transmission, Demirhan said, “The risk of developing lung cancer in first-degree individuals with a history of lung cancer is 2 times higher than in ordinary individuals. The risk of developing lung cancer in individuals with a first degree relative with lung cancer who has never smoked is 2.7 times higher than in individuals without a family history of lung cancer. spoke in.
Early diagnosis is of great value.
Underlining that early diagnosis is very valuable in lung cancer, Dr., who is experienced in lung cancer surgery. Özkan Demirhan said, “Early diagnosis is of great value in lung cancer, as in other types of cancer. Increasing the number of conscious Checkups, lung cinema and low-dose lung tomography play an important role in catching lung cancer at an early stage. In particular, individuals over the age of 40 who have been smoking for 10-20 years and those who have a history of lung cancer in their family have to be under the supervision of a doctor regularly. I would definitely recommend low-dose lung tomography to these people because they are at risk. If the lesion is detected, it should be evaluated very carefully and carefully, and if it is a lesion that requires follow-up, follow-ups of 3, 6-12 months should be done. However, having a low-dose tomography is of great value because patients are exposed to less radiation. There is an international formula that guides us in early diagnosis, although this formula is not 100 percent, it gives us an idea. When pathology is detected in the cinema, smoking and age are also taken into account. PET CT may also be recommended to detect thoughtful situations early. For the diagnosis of the lesion, a process may go up to biopsy. If it is suitable for surgery, surgical treatment should definitely be preferred.” used his words.
Treatment options should be investigated appropriately.
Underlining that it is necessary to research the treatment options in lung cancer, Demirhan said, “Operation rates in lung cancer treatment methods are around 15-20 percent. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer cannot apply to thoracic surgery when they have more than one diffuse metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly check whether this disease has spread to the body without wasting time. It has scanning paths. It is necessary to take PET CT, brain MRI, bone MRI if necessary, or MRI of other parts of the body. If the patient is suitable for surgery, the surgery option should be evaluated without wasting time by making these scans, and if it is not suitable for surgery, other treatment options should be started as soon as possible. It is very valuable that one does not waste time in this process. Initiation of treatments within 15-20 days at the latest is important for the patient’s quality of life and treatment success.
For early diagnosis, especially those who have a family history, smokers or non-smokers should definitely not skip routine screening. They should not forget that in case of a lesion in the lung, it is necessary to apply to thoracic surgery. In advanced disease of lung cancer, suitable patients can be candidates for surgical treatment with a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
