Early diagnosis plays a critical role in lung cancer: 41,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year

AstraZeneca Türkiye and the Turkish Medical Oncology Association shared the results of their report, Lung Cancer in Türkiye: Policy Recommendations in Light of Current Data, with the public at a press conference.

Speaking at the meeting were Başkent University Faculty of Health Sciences Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Simten Malhan, Turkish Medical Oncology Association President Prof. Dr. Nuri Karadurmuş, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Chest Diseases Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Deniz Köksal, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Department of Thoracic Surgery Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ali Çelik, Turkish Radiation Oncology Association Past President and Koç University Radiation Oncology Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Uğur Selek, and AstraZeneca Türkiye Corporate Relations Director Erdal Kiraz.

According to the report, the diagnosis process for lung cancer, the type of cancer with the highest mortality rate worldwide, is affected by factors such as a lack of public awareness of symptoms and delays in diagnostic processes and referral chains. However, with early diagnosis and an effective treatment approach, five-year survival rates are projected to reach 80 percent. The report emphasizes the need for a screening program for lung cancer in Türkiye, as is the case for breast, cervical, and colon cancers, and also cites a cost-effectiveness study on this issue.

'ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT HEALTH PROBLEMS'

Simten Malhan, commenting on the matter, said, “Our study, which demonstrates that lung cancer requires urgent action in health economics, also highlights the importance of strategies for early diagnosis and prevention of this disease in managing its economic burden. Measures such as expanding screening programs, developing preventive policies targeting risk factors, and accelerating access to treatment can both reduce healthcare system costs and increase social productivity in the long run.”

Nuri Karadurmuş pointed out that early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical.

Deniz Köksal emphasized that artificial intelligence and digital health solutions offer significant opportunities to decision-makers, saying, “Clinical processes and pilot screening studies in which artificial intelligence solutions are integrated should be further expanded in our country.”

Murat Dinçer, in his assessment of the report, said that the application of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes.

Erdal Kiraz also stated, “Lung cancer, as one of the most important health problems of our time, profoundly affects not only individuals but also societies and health systems.”