Don’t Be One of the 41,000 Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Each Year
Learn how to prevent and detect lung cancer early. Experts discuss risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of regular screenings. Take charge of your health today! Discover the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures for lung cancer. Expert insights from Prof. Dr. Hakan Harputluoğlu highlight the importance of early detection and personalized treatments.
Editors 
Don’t Be One of the 41,000 Diagnosed with Lung Cancer Each Year
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally and in Turkey. It is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its prevalence continues to rise. Awareness of the risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key to prevention. Ahead of November 17, World Lung Cancer Day, Prof. Dr. Hakan Harputluoğlu from Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital’s Medical Oncology Department shares critical insights on preventing and managing this life-threatening disease.
The Rising Threat: Lung Cancer in Numbers
Lung cancer has emerged as the most diagnosed cancer type in recent years. In 2012, it accounted for 1.8 million new cases globally, representing 12.9% of all cancers.
According to the Turkey Lung Cancer Map Project, lung cancer affects 100 out of every 75,000 men and 10 out of every 100,000 women. Annually, approximately 41,000 people in Turkey are diagnosed, with 34,000 cases in men and 7,000 in women. Globally, lung cancer is responsible for 19.4% of all cancer deaths—surpassing the combined mortality from breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
Smoking: The Leading Risk Factor
Smoking and other tobacco products are the primary causes of lung cancer. However, non-smokers are not entirely safe. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors can also lead to lung cancer.
Unfortunately, many symptoms only appear in advanced stages of the disease. Smokers often dismiss early signs like coughing, attributing them to smoking itself, which delays diagnosis and treatment.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location, size, and spread.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest, shoulder, or back pain
- Bloody sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
If cancer has spread to other areas of the body, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, and unexplained weight loss may occur.
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through chest X-rays and CT scans, followed by further tests to determine the stage and spread of the cancer.
Early Detection: A Life-Saver
As with all cancers, early detection plays a crucial role in increasing survival rates. Regular health check-ups for high-risk individuals can help catch the disease in its initial stages, significantly improving outcomes.
Upon diagnosis, treatment plans are personalized based on the stage and spread of the cancer. These may include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Prevention: Take Charge of Your Health
Reducing your risk of lung cancer starts with lifestyle changes. Avoid smoking, limit exposure to environmental toxins, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Staying informed and vigilant about symptoms is vital for early detection and treatment.
Prof. Dr. Harputluoğlu emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, particularly for those at high risk, to detect lung cancer early and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Lung cancer remains a significant global health challenge, but awareness, prevention, and early detection can save lives. Take control of your health by recognizing the risks, staying informed, and seeking medical advice if symptoms appear.
