IELCAP international study, published recently and included the participation of the University Hospital of Navarra and the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, and the recent research conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and funded by the U.S. government, endorse the importance of this diagnostic test in the increased survival of patients with lung cancer.

“We are questioning many things about the changes that are needed”, he added, while also has stated that “if the government does not observe this issue with other eyes will be missing a great opportunity to reduce deaths from a most deadly diseases of our time”.

In addition, the researcher, following the American findings, the debate focuses not only on scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the test if not the cost of the possible implementation of programs ‘screening’ of lung cancer and the criteria to be followed to select populations at risk.

“The question of cost depends on whether there is short or long term. Look at short term, obviously, it is necessary to make investments, not expenses but investments. But in the long term become a savings and to deal with lung cancer in advanced stage is much more expensive and less effective than early detection. Therefore, if the authorities observe this issue in the long term, consider investing in these programs is certainly a saving”, he warned.

Therefore, the expert urges governments to design programs for early detection of lung cancer for the general population. From the standpoint of medical recommends people at high risk of contracting the disease, smokers or former smokers to seriously consider the benefits they can offer this type of evidence.

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What is lung cancer?
Also known as lung cancer or lung, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Over 90% of cases it is caused by tobacco.

• smoking “active”: the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years of smoking,
• Smoking or “passive”: people who live or work with smokers also inhale the smoke can develop lung cancer.

In 10% of cases, lung cancer is secondary to occupational exposure: asbestos, tar, arsenic, nickel, chromium, silica .. However, smoking is still increasing significantly the risk among workers exposed to these substances.

Is it very common?
The number of cases increased steadily since the early twentieth century, with a rise dramatically since the 60s. Since 1997, more than 20 000 people are admitted per year in ALD for such cancer.It occurs mainly around the age of 60 years, rarely before 40 years. However, youth smoking more and earlier and women are better than men, these 2 findings suggest an increase of cases in the next 20 years among people of increasingly younger and more often about sex female.

What are the warning signs?
The symptoms are unfortunately late and nonspecific, so little chance of recovery: the survival rate at 5 years does not exceed 15% on average. However, it can reach 70% in very localized forms.

• a persistent cough or changes (more frequent, more intense.)
• coughing up blood
• a state of constant fatigue,
• general discomfort,
• loss of appetite,
• weight loss without reason
• chest pain,
• breathlessness,
• bronchitis which “drags”
• super infections broncho-pulmonary recurrence.

How is the diagnosis?
Most lung cancers are detected early by chance, during a chest radiograph performed for another reason: heart problems, broken ribs, routine examination in occupational medicine .. In other cases, the occurrence of one or more warning signs encourage the doctor to prescribe a chest radiograph. It can immediately visualize any tumor or highlight an indirect indication, as an effusion pleural. In case of clinical suspicion and / or radiation, a chest CT scan is performed to detect small lesions or those located in areas invisible radio graphically.
In a second step, endoscopy (or endoscopy) allows lung, with small samples (biopsies) and their analysis, to state with certainty the diagnosis of cancer or not.

What are the treatments?
Treatment is chosen according to the type of cancer and its possible extension to other organs. It involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These treatments are prescribed to “map” to each patient’s treatment.
The best treatment remains prevention: stop smoking.

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