Radiologists warn: 75% of lung cancer patients go to the doctor late. Lung cancer is one of the most widespread and aggressive forms of cancer, with smoking as the main cause. Every year, about 12,000 Romanians are diagnosed with this condition, and three-quarters of patients go to the doctor in too advanced stages to be rescued.
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Europe, causing more deaths each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. Its high degree of mortality is associated with late-onset of symptoms (persistent cough, chest infections, etc.) when the condition has already progressed significantly.
The 5-year survival rate of patients with advanced disease is only 4%. In comparison, when diagnosed at an early stage, lung cancer is curable, with a 5% survival rate of patients reaching 75%.
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Screening is a preventive investigation of lung health, with the aim of detecting cancer at an early stage, when treatments can have better results and can even cure the disease, improving the patient’s quality of life and reducing medical costs. Lung cancer screening is indicated for people over the age of 50, active smokers, or those who have quit smoking in the last 15 years.
“Lung cancer remains the disease with the highest mortality rate due to late diagnosis. Preventive imaging of people at risk in combination with smoking cessation could save many lives, reducing the incidence of the disease. It is important for patients to be informed about the benefits of lung screening and, following a consultation with a specialist, to perform computed tomography (CT) investigation “, says Prof. Univ. Dr. Gheorghe Iana, Medical Director of Medima Health. active smokers or those who have quit smoking in the last 15 years. “Lung cancer remains the disease with the highest mortality rate due to late diagnosis. Preventive imaging of people at risk in combination with smoking cessation could save many lives, reducing the incidence of the disease. It is important for patients to be informed about the benefits of lung screening and, following a consultation with a specialist, to perform computed tomography (CT) investigation “, says Prof. Univ. Dr. Gheorghe Iana, Medical Director of Medima Health. active smokers or those who have given up smoking in the last 15 years. “Lung cancer remains the disease with the highest mortality rate due to late diagnosis. Preventive imaging of people at risk in combination with smoking cessation could save many lives, reducing the incidence of the disease. It is important for patients to be informed about the benefits of lung screening and, following a consultation with a specialist, to perform computed tomography (CT) investigation “, says Prof. Univ. Dr. Gheorghe Iana, Medical Director of Medima Health. Preventive imaging of people at risk in combination with smoking cessation could save many lives, reducing the incidence of the disease. It is important for patients to be informed about the benefits of lung screening and, following a consultation with a specialist, to perform computed tomography (CT) investigation “, says Prof. Univ. Dr. Gheorghe Iana, Medical Director of Medima Health. Preventive imaging of people at risk in combination with smoking cessation could save many lives, reducing the incidence of the disease. It is important for patients to be informed about the benefits of lung screening and, following a consultation with a specialist, to perform a computed tomography (CT) investigation “, says Prof. Univ. Dr. Gheorghe Iana, Medical Director of Medima Health.
What is lung screening?
The most effective investigation in lung cancer screening studies is low-dose radiation CT. It is 4 times more accurate than a chest x-ray in the early detection of cancer.
CT scan provides detailed images of the lung tissue, which a radiologist will analyze for any abnormalities. An imaginary “spot” on the lungs indicates the presence of a lung nodule, which requires monitoring. Depending on its size and subsequent evolution, it may be a sign of a cancerous lesion or other conditions (benign formations, scar tissue from infection, etc.).
Does lung screening involve risks?
CT is an investigation that uses X-rays to obtain high-resolution images of internal organs. In the case of lung screening, the radiation dose used is 90% lower (<1.5 mSv) than a full-dose CT scan, the risk of cancer being extremely low.
In order to support patients at risk of developing lung cancer, Media Health’s network of excellence in medical imaging and radiology conducts lung screening investigations in the 6 clinics in Bucharest and in the country. Patients can benefit from a correct assessment of lung health, performed with state-of-the-art CT equipment, by experienced radiologists.
