Early diagnosis and prevention of lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Greece.
Approximately 9,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with men accounting for approximately three-quarters of patients. It is one of the most difficult cancers to treat.
In the early stages, the main therapeutic approach is surgery. In some cases, chemotherapy or immunotherapy is used first to shrink the tumor. In more advanced stages, in addition to the above treatments, radiotherapy can also be used, offering additional treatment options.
How does it develop?
Lung cancer begins as a small lump in a certain part of the lungs, which increases in size over time. At first, it does not cause any symptoms, but later it can cause a persistent cough and even hemoptysis. The cancer cells then invade the mediastinal lymph nodes of the lung (located behind the sternum). Later, they enter the bloodstream and create cancer “colonies”, the so-called metastases, in other organs, such as the liver, bones, brain and others. In intermediate or advanced stages, this cancer is particularly life-threatening.
Smoking and cancer
90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains not only nicotine, but thousands of other harmful substances that have been proven to be carcinogenic. It should be noted that smoking can be responsible for a multitude of other cancers, such as those of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder and others. Fortunately, due to the anti-smoking campaign, lung cancer is no longer increasing in men, and may even be decreasing, but it is increasing in women.
Family members of smokers who do not smoke also have an increased risk of cancer, since they inhale smoke. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that the smoker does not expose other people to risk, especially children.
The lungs of a long-term smoker often show additional damage, such as emphysema (destruction of the alveoli), chronic bronchitis or asthma. These diseases, over time, significantly limit the function of breathing, resulting in the person gasping for breath even with little physical effort.
As is easily understood, if cancer develops in an already burdened and dysfunctional lung, the situation becomes even more serious and the treatment more demanding.
Does quitting smoking help?
Of course. If someone stops smoking, they are protected from the increased risk of cancer. The risk gradually decreases, but is not completely eliminated, until 15 years have passed. In general, the fewer cigarettes and for the shorter period of time someone smokes, the lower the likelihood of serious health effects.
Early diagnosis saves lives
The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, like any form of cancer, the greater the chances of a complete cure.
If the diagnosis is made at an early stage, when the tumor is still small and localized within the lung, before it has time to metastasize, then it can be surgically removed and a complete cure can be achieved.
For this reason, a technique for early diagnosis of lung cancer has been developed, using low-dose chest CT. This CT scan is designed to use a significantly lower dose of radiation compared to a classic CT scan, while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.
The examination is performed without the use of contrast agent, takes less than a minute and is available in almost all diagnostic centers.
For high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers, it is recommended to be performed preventively once a year. The aim is that, if cancer occurs, it can be diagnosed early, at a stage where it can be treated effectively, even before any symptoms appear.
Who should join an early diagnosis program?
People aged 50-80 who smoke (one pack or more per day) for at least 20 years or have quit smoking up to 15 years ago. That is, even if the cessation was made before, for example, 5 years, low-dose CT scans should be performed for another 10 years.
Therefore, it is extremely important for smokers to consult with their doctors and join an early diagnosis program. The technique is available in most radiology centers and is relatively inexpensive.
Today, it is truly a shame to lose lives when such a simple and quick diagnostic method can make a difference.
And of course, the best prevention is always quitting smoking. Even so, more important is to protect young people from starting this harmful habit, before it undermines their health.
