Early diagnosis of lung cancer saves lives: 5-year survival rate can exceed 90 percent

Turkish Thoracic Surgery Association President Prof. Dr. Atilla Eroğlu said that early diagnosis of lung cancer increases life expectancy and treatment success and said, "Cancer does not kill, late diagnosis does." he said.

Atatürk University Research Hospital Chief Physician Eroğlu, in his statement to AA correspondent within the scope of the 14th National Thoracic Surgery Congress held in Antalya, said that lung cancer is one of the most important causes of cancer-related deaths in the world.

Stating that approximately 10 million people die due to cancer annually worldwide, Eroğlu stated that approximately 2.5 million of them are caused by lung cancer.

Emphasizing that the most important cause of lung cancer is smoking, Eroğlu explained that those with symptoms such as long-lasting cough, bloody sputum, weight loss, loss of appetite and shortness of breath should consult a physician.

Pointing out that early diagnosis is of great importance for the success of treatment, Eroğlu emphasized the importance of smokers, in particular, having screening under physician supervision according to their risk status.

Eroğlu stated that the 5-year survival rate in lung cancer diagnosed at an early stage can exceed 90 percent, while it can drop below 10 percent in the late stage, and said, "Despite the improvements in medical treatments, closed surgery methods, the development of surgery, robotic systems and smart drugs, unfortunately, the life expectancy in lung cancer is very shortened in late diagnosis. That is why cancer does not kill, late diagnosis kills." he said.

NEW TREATMENT METHODS ARE DEVELOPING

Noting that there have been significant developments in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, Eroğlu stated that surgeries that were performed by opening the chest cage in the past can now be performed with the help of a camera through a few small incisions.

Pointing out that the recovery period of patients is shortened thanks to these methods, Eroğlu said that patients can be discharged within a few days after some heavy surgeries.

Stating that new generation drugs provide a more comfortable treatment process for some patients, Eroğlu said, "We can now prevent cancer by increasing our immune system. Every person has the risk of getting cancer 100 times in his life. If our immune system is at a very good level, this prevents cancer, but when the immune system collapses, cancer begins to grow and spread throughout the body." he said.

Emphasizing that progress has been made in drug treatments, Eroğlu stated that immunotherapy and smart drugs increase treatment options.

Eroğlu added that people with a family history of lung cancer should also be aware of the risk.