Smoking Accounts for 85% of Lung Cancer Cases: Early Detection is Key
Learn how to recognize lung cancer symptoms, understand risk factors, and explore treatment options. Discover how prevention and early detection can save lives.
Editors 
Smoking Accounts for 85% of Lung Cancer Cases: Early Detection is Key
Persistent Cough and Shortness of Breath? Don’t Ignore the Signs!
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, impacting both men and women. Each year in Turkey, approximately 40,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer. Alarmingly, smoking is responsible for 85% of these cases, and smoking rates show little decline. Early diagnosis and prevention, primarily through quitting smoking, are critical in combating this life-threatening disease.
Prof. Dr. Özlem Er, a Medical Oncology Specialist at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, highlights the importance of proactive measures:
"Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men and the third most common in women. Reducing exposure to tobacco and environmental risk factors can significantly lower cases and save lives. Screening high-risk individuals also improves early diagnosis and survival rates. Early detection leads to better treatment outcomes and higher success rates."
Key Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lung cancer begins with the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Recognizing the warning signs can lead to early intervention. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent lung infections
When these symptoms are mild, they are often dismissed as minor respiratory issues, leading to delays in seeking medical care. Such delays can result in advanced-stage diagnoses.
Tobacco and Other Risk Factors
Smoking, including cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, remains the primary risk factor for lung cancer. However, non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are also at risk. Additional risk factors include:
- Occupational hazards (asbestos, radon, and certain chemicals)
- Air pollution
- Genetic predispositions
- Chronic lung diseases
The most effective prevention method is avoiding tobacco use entirely and minimizing exposure to these risks.
Screening and Early Detection
Secondary prevention focuses on detecting lung cancer at early stages, often before symptoms arise. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the primary screening method for high-risk individuals. Early diagnosis can significantly enhance treatment success rates.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer
The treatment approach varies depending on the cancer's type, stage, and the patient’s overall health. Prof. Dr. Özlem Er explains:
"In early stages, when the tumor is localized in the lung, surgery is the primary treatment. Pre-surgery therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation (neoadjuvant therapy), can shrink tumors and simplify surgical removal. Post-surgery treatments (adjuvant therapies) often include chemotherapy and radiation to reduce recurrence risks."
For advanced stages where cancer has metastasized to other organs, treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy: Uses systemic drugs to target and kill cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Blocks specific pathways that support cancer growth.
- Immunotherapy: Activates the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy and Surgery: Relieve symptoms caused by tumor growth.
Prevention: A Lifesaving Priority
Preventing lung cancer begins with quitting smoking. Comprehensive tobacco control measures, environmental risk mitigation, and regular screenings are vital steps to reduce lung cancer cases worldwide. Early detection remains the cornerstone of effective treatment and better survival outcomes.
