Lung cancer has held its place as the most deadly cancer worldwide for the past decade, according to the latest data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Every minute, an estimated four to five people are diagnosed with lung cancer globally, and three to four individuals lose their lives to the disease.
As the global burden of lung cancer grows, public health strategies focusing on prevention, accessible screening, and advanced therapies offer hope in reversing this alarming trend.
Why Are Lung Cancer Rates So High?
In an interview with China Media Group, Chen Keneng, director of thoracic surgery at Beijing Cancer Hospital, attributed the rise in lung cancer cases to factors such as fast-paced lifestyles, industrialization, increased stress levels, and higher smoking rates in developing countries.
In China alone, the National Cancer Center reported over 1.06 million new lung cancer cases and 730,000 deaths in 2022, with both incidence and mortality rates ranking first among all cancers.
Early Detection Is Key
Experts emphasize that lung cancer is preventable, and catching it early significantly improves cure rates. Before 2012, chest X-rays were the primary screening tool in China. However, the widespread adoption of low-dose spiral CT scans has since elevated early detection rates to 90%.
“Lung cancer often presents no symptoms in its initial stages,” said Chen. “High-risk groups, such as long-term smokers and those with family histories, should undergo annual CT screenings.”
However, experts caution that low-dose CT scans carry radiation exposure risks and advise against yearly screenings for people who are not at high risk.
The Importance of Quitting Smoking
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of lung cancer. Studies show that quitting smoking for ten years can reduce lung cancer risk by over 50%. Efforts to reduce smoking rates are crucial in combating the disease.
Community Efforts and Medical Advances
China has intensified community-level lung cancer screening efforts, with cities like Beijing integrating such programs into chronic disease management frameworks, covering over a million residents.
For early-stage lung cancer cases, patients with ground-glass opacity nodules have nearly 100% survival rates within five to ten years. Those with stage I solid tumors have five-year survival rates of 70% to 80%.
Medical breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have significantly extended survival rates for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer. Additionally, multidisciplinary collaboration models in hospitals have further enhanced treatment outcomes.
Raising Awareness
April 15 marks the start of China’s National Anti-Cancer Week, during which many events are organized to boost awareness of cancer prevention and treatment. By promoting early detection and healthy lifestyles, there’s hope to reduce the impact of lung cancer worldwide.
