Lung cancer ranks first in cancer-related deaths all over the world and in our country. Every year, approximately 1.6 million people in the world and approximately 30 thousand people in our country die due to lung cancer. The reason for the high mortality rate due to lung cancer is that the diagnosis is usually made in advanced stages. So much so that about 70 percent of patients are detected when the cancer reaches stage 3 or 4. The reason for this is that there is no specific symptom for lung cancer and sometimes patients do not take into account some symptoms that may be related to lung cancer. However, thanks to the very important developments in treatment today, patients can lead a healthy life for many years when lung cancer is diagnosed early!
Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aziz Yazıcı pointed out that regular lung screenings in people with high risk factors play a key role in diagnosing lung cancer at an early stage. It is possible to detect lung cancer at an early stage in people who have no complaints such as cough, bloody sputum, weight loss and pain. For this reason, it is vital for people aged 55-77, who smoke 30 packs or more per year, or who quit smoking in the last 15 years, to undergo lung cancer screening once a year.
Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aziz Yazıcı reminded that lung cancer is actually a preventable type of cancer and said, “Except for genetic predisposition, almost all risk factors for lung cancer are carcinogens that can be prevented or removed. "If we know the risk factors and avoid them, we can reduce the risk of developing cancer and even prevent it," he says. Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aziz Author explained 6 important causes of lung cancer; made suggestions and warnings!
Genetic predisposition
The risk of lung cancer in those with a history of lung cancer in first-degree relatives is 2 times higher than in the normal population.
Cigarette
Smoking is responsible for 85% of lung cancer. Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aziz Author, warning that cigarettes containing at least 90 carcinogenic substances increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in people with genetic predisposition, "As the amount of daily smoked cigarettes increases and the duration of smoking increases, the risk of developing lung cancer also increases. The risk of lung cancer in smokers is at least 20 times higher than in non-smokers. It should not be forgotten that 85% of lung cancer can be prevented by not smoking. “Although quitting smoking reduces the risk of cancer, these people still have a higher risk of developing cancer than those who have never smoked.” prof. Dr. Aziz Author also points out that the risk of developing lung cancer increases in people who are exposed to cigarette smoke even though they do not smoke.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD increases the risk of lung cancer independent of smoking. According to the studies; The risk of developing lung cancer in COPD patients is 4-5 times higher than in people with healthy lungs.
professional contact
According to the studies; Exposure to certain carcinogens increases the risk of lung cancer. The most known of these carcinogens are exhaust gases, coal smoke, asbestos, arsenic, nickel, silica and beryllium. Smokers exposed to these carcinogens have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
Radiation
your lung; Having received radiotherapy for another reason, such as breast cancer or lymphoma, increases the risk of developing lung cancer up to 13 times.
radon gas
Among the causes of lung cancer; Radon gas, which consists of uranium and radium, is also shown. It is stated that lung cancer is more common in uranium miners.
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