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How can we protect ourselves from lung cancer, the most common type of cancer? What precautions can be taken?

This type of cancer, which has a very high mortality rate, ranks at the top among causes of cancer-related deaths. Lung cancer, which is generally associated with smoking and environmental factors, is becoming increasingly common among citizens in our country and around the world. So, what is lung cancer? How can we protect ourselves? What should be paid attention to?

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How can we protect ourselves from lung cancer, the most common type of cancer? What precautions can be taken?

Lung cancer is a type of disease in which cells in the lung tissue multiply uncontrollably. Known as the most common type of cancer in recent years, lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There is no sure way to prevent lung cancer. However, avoiding risk factors can help prevent it. For example, in addition to smoking, certain genetic factors and having a family history of lung cancer increase the risk of developing the disease by 2.4 times.

Prof. Dr. Hakan Harputluoğlu from the Department of Medical Oncology at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital provided information on the precautions that should be taken against lung cancer ahead of November 17, World Lung Cancer Day.

How can we protect ourselves from lung cancer, the most common type of cancer? What precautions can be taken?

MORE COMMON IN MEN

Lung cancer is a significant public health problem that arises as a result of the interaction of various factors and causes numerous deaths worldwide. According to estimates, while lung cancer is the most common type of cancer among men globally, it ranks 3rd among women. According to data from Turkey's Lung Cancer Map Project, the incidence of lung cancer is 75 per 100,000 in men and 10 per 100,000 in women, with the projected number of new patients reaching approximately 30,000 annually. Lung cancer is responsible for 19.4% of all cancer deaths.

It is observed that out of the 41,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer in Turkey each year, 34,000 are men and 7,000 are women.
How can we protect ourselves from lung cancer, the most common type of cancer? What precautions can be taken?

STAY AWAY FROM CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS!

It has been observed that smoking is the cause in the vast majority of lung cancer cases. Smoking is not the only factor that triggers cancer, but the risk rate is much lower if it is not smoked.

Just as it is important to catch and treat lung cancer at an early stage, it is at least as important to quit smoking regardless of the stage once a cancer diagnosis is made.

How can we protect ourselves from lung cancer, the most common type of cancer? What precautions can be taken?

TAKE SYMPTOMS SERIOUSLY

Most symptoms of lung cancer are seen as similar to other, less dangerous diseases. Therefore, it is often difficult to notice in the early stages. Since early diagnosis increases the chance of treatment, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms. Symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • A persistent cough that gets worse over time

  • Back pain associated with coughing

  • Change in the color of phlegm or bloody phlegm,

  • Wheezing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Frequent pneumonia and bronchitis

  • Swelling in the neck and facial areas

  • Bone pain

  • Anemia

  • Headache

  • Loss of appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Fatigue

Today, lung cancer can be detected at an early stage thanks to radiological imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT). Therefore, it is recommended that people in the risk group go for regular doctor check-ups and not neglect them.
How can we protect ourselves from lung cancer, the most common type of cancer? What precautions can be taken?

EARLY DIAGNOSIS INCREASES QUALITY OF LIFE

In the treatment of lung cancer, early diagnosis can increase the probability of success by 85-90%. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals, especially those who smoke, undergo regular health screenings. Once a lung cancer diagnosis is made, the stage is determined by specialist doctors, and a personalized treatment plan consisting of surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy is created.