12 December 2022 Monday
This type of cancer is most common in men!
Lung cancer-related deaths, unfortunately, rank first among cancer deaths both in our country and in the world. Chest Diseases Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Aygün Gür made a statement within the scope of "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" to draw attention to the issue. She stated 80% of lung cancer is related to smoking.
Every year, 18 million people around the world get cancer and about 9.5 million people die because of it. Asst. Prof. Dr. Aygün Gür, a Chest Diseases Specialist from Istanbul Gelisim University Vocational School of Health Services, stated lung cancer ranks first among cancers seen in men all over the world and third in women.
LUNG CANCER IS A PREVENTABLE DISEASE
Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Asst. Prof. Dr. Aygün Gür: “Apart from cigarettes; passive smoking and even electronic cigarettes are reported to be effective in the development of lung cancer. Moreover, environmental and occupational exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, radon and air pollution, genetic predisposition, family history also cause lung cancer. The most effective method in the fight against lung cancer is not to start smoking in the first place. Smokers must also quit smoking at any age.
ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS!
Lung cancer occurs when normal cells in the lung tissue multiply out of control and form a tumor. The mass grows and first spreads to the surrounding tissues and to other organs such as the brain and liver through circulation. Lung cancer may not show symptoms in the early stages. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Aygün Gür indicated, “Symptoms such as persistent and increasing cough, coughing up blood or bloody sputum from the mouth, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weakness, anorexia, persistent and recurrent lung infection can be seen.”
For diagnosis, after the mass is detected by imaging methods such as chest x-ray and computed tomography, the way in which the sample will be taken is determined by reaching the mass. After determining the type and stage of cancer, treatment is planned. Dr. Gür: “Early diagnosis is very significant in lung cancer. It increases the chance of treatment and reduces the death rate. The treatment is planned in the light of factors such as the patient's age, clinical condition, type and stage of cancer, and one or more of the surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy programs are applied.”
