Periodic Examination for Lung Cancer

According to information from the newspaper O Estadão, the National Cancer Institute (Inca) estimates that 32,500 cases of lung tumors will be diagnosed in 2023 in the country. Annually, the disease kills about 28,000 Brazilians and is the type of cancer with the highest number of victims among neoplasms. About 80% of cases are associated with smoking.

Recently, three medical entities are recommending a guideline for conducting a periodic examination that screens for lung cancer, similar to mammography (breast cancer) and the rectal exam to identify prostate cancer.

The 1st Brazilian Consensus for Lung Cancer Screening was jointly developed by the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Tisiology (SBPT), the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery (SBCT), and the Brazilian College of Radiology (CBR), and presented at a recent SBPT congress.

For pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Jessica Polese, early diagnosis would increase the chances of more assertive and preventive treatment. "According to the consensus, it is recommended that people between 50 and 80 years old undergo a chest CT scan if they are active smokers or have previously used nicotine," explains the doctor.

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide and is often associated with smoking. However, it can also affect non-smokers. This cancer starts in the cells of the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, becoming potentially fatal if not specifically treated.

The symptoms of lung cancer in its early stage can include persistent cough, blood-stained sputum, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and loss of appetite. "In smokers, the cough may occur at unusual times and may also have recurrent pneumonia, fatigue, etc.," clarifies the pulmonologist.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, and in addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, there are medications. "The difficult part is that usually when cancer is discovered, it is already at an advanced stage, which is why this debate on prevention exams is important," explains Jessica.