Lung screening in the Czech Republic has detected over a hundred cases of lung cancer

Half of those approached refuse the examination that can lead to early detection

As part of the pilot program for early detection of lung cancer, over 10,000 people aged 55–74 were approached from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2023, roughly half of whom agreed to participate in the program. A total of 273 pulmonology facilities (70%) were involved. During this period, 6,144 people were examined by a pulmonologist, and 3,983 individuals underwent their first low-dose CT (LDCT). Based on this, 116 findings were assessed as positive, with 28 patients already recorded in the National Cancer Registry (NCR). This was reported by the chairwoman of the Czech Pneumological and Phthiseological Society of the Czech Medical Association JEP (ČPFS), Prof. MUDr. Martina Koziar Vašáková, Ph.D., from the Pneumological Clinic of the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital in Prague. According to her, the data show that lung cancer screening is meaningful, but it is concerning that half of the approached smokers refused to undergo the screening examination. The public needs to be further educated about the need for early detection of treatable stages of lung cancer and directed to smoking cessation centers.

Smoking = 22 times increased risk of lung cancer

Chronic lung diseases are one of the main causes of disability and work incapacity, and their incidence is increasing. Attention is especially focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, lung cancer, but also progressive lung fibrosis and COVID-19. Known causes and triggers of chronic lung diseases include genetic predispositions, smoking or inhalation of combustion fumes, and exposure to dust or inflammatory pollutants. Changes in the microbiome, chronic stress, lack of exercise, or poor nutrition also play a role.

Tobacco is the most harmful. Non-smoking is therefore one of the main principles of lung disease prevention. According to Professor Vašáková, there is no safe dose of tobacco; it is a highly toxic substance. It has been proven that smoking tobacco increases the risk of lung cancer 22-fold, the risk of activating latent tuberculosis 2-fold, and there is also a higher risk of developing lung fibrosis and bleeding from lung alveoli. One in five smokers also develops COPD. Second-hand smoke is also dangerous - for example, children of smokers are at risk of developing asthma or its worsening.

Smoking negatively impacts not only the lungs but also affects many organs and functions. Smokers have an increased risk of cancer, are more likely to suffer from stomach and duodenal ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, impaired reproductive functions, and are more frequently troubled by infectious complications. They have twice the risk of developing diabetes mellitus or psoriasis, a higher incidence of depression, triple the risk of multiple sclerosis, more frequent and earlier hearing loss, eye diseases, or periodontitis.

The fight should be against smoking, not smokers - they need a helping hand

Among the most serious diseases associated with smoking is lung cancer. Early detection in operable stages increases the chance of recovery. Unfortunately, as Professor Vašáková states, only 15% of tumors are diagnosed in these stages, while the majority are discovered at stage III-IV, and three-quarters of patients have no chance of cure. The number of patients with malignant lung tumors as a second cancer is also increasing. Promoting non-smoking and a healthy lifestyle is therefore one of the priorities of the ČPFS. As experts emphasize, the fight should be against smoking, not smokers themselves. They need help and early detection of serious diseases caused by smoking.

According to the results of the American NLST and European NELSON studies, lung cancer screening reduces mortality from this disease by 20-25%. Its main benefits, besides increasing the detection of early stages of lung cancer, include the detection of other serious conditions such as lung fibrosis or COPD. The program is associated with interventions for smoking cessation.

The pilot lung health screening is part of the pan-European lung cancer screening. Alongside ČPFS, several other professional societies are involved in its implementation in the Czech Republic. The European project SOLACE (Strengthening the Screening of Lung Cancer in Europe) helps to implement and streamline lung screening in member states.

For more information, visit: plicnilekarstvi.cz and prevenceproplice.cz

(asa)

Source: Press conference on the Day for Healthy Lungs. ČPFS and ČOPN, Prague, 13 November 2023.