Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu shared the following information in her statement: “Lung cancer is the formation of a mass (tumor) in the lung when cells made up of structurally normal lung tissue proliferate uncontrollably and beyond their needs. The mass that forms here initially grows in place, and at more advanced stages, it spreads to surrounding tissues or distant organs via the circulatory system (such as the liver, bones, brain, etc.), causing damage. Lung cancer ranks first among cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 2020, 2.2 million new cases were identified and 1.9 million people died from lung cancer. According to statistics reported in Türkiye, the incidence rate of lung cancer is 52.5 per 100,000 in men and 9 per 100,000 in women. Among the most well-known risk factors are smoking cigarettes, pipes, hookahs, or cigars. Smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or hookahs increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Nine out of ten men and eight out of ten women diagnosed with lung cancer have a history of smoking. Research has shown that smoking low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes does not reduce the risk of lung cancer. In addition, studies show that the risk of lung cancer from smoking increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years of smoking. Exposure to cigarette smoke, that is, passive smoking, is another significant risk factor. People exposed to cigarette smoke are exposed to the same cancer-causing substances as smokers, albeit in slightly smaller amounts.”

Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu: “The Most Important Risk Factor is Smoking”

Prof. Dr. Gököz Doğu stated that workplace exposure to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, beryllium, nickel, soot, or tar also increases risk, and that people exposed to asbestos, arsenic, chromium, nickel, beryllium, cadmium, tar, and smoke have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. She noted that the longer the exposure duration and the higher the exposure level to these substances, the greater the risk, and continued: “Intense radiation exposure for any reason is another factor. Sources of radiation exposure include atomic bombs, radiation therapy, imaging tests, and radon gas. The longer the exposure duration and the higher the exposure intensity to these sources, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer. Living in areas with air pollution is also among the risk factors. Studies have shown that living in regions with high air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer. Early diagnosis in lung cancer greatly increases the chances of treatment and extends life expectancy. Detecting lung cancer at an early stage, before it spreads, increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Many studies have been conducted so far to diagnose lung cancer early, before it reaches advanced stages. None of these have been shown to reduce lung cancer-related deaths. Recent studies with low-dose spiral tomography have shown that it may contribute to early detection of cancer in high-risk individuals (aged 55–74 who smoke two packs or more a day), and it is recommended that individuals in this risk group be included in screening programs. Certain signs and symptoms may serve as warnings for lung cancer. Complaints that should be investigated include chest pain or discomfort, a persistent cough or one that worsens over time, shortness of breath, wheezing, blood in the sputum, recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia, hoarseness, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and swelling in the veins of the face and/or neck.”