Romania remains without a national screening program for lung cancer, as this disease claims one victim per hour, warn doctors from the Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Phthisiopneumology „Dr. Victor Babeș” in Timișoara, in a public appeal launched on World Lung Cancer Day.
Over 12,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
"8 out of 10 cases are caused by smoking, and the age at which the disease occurs has dramatically decreased, around 50 years old," warns Prof. Dr. Cristian Oancea, the hospital's manager.
A 12-year study conducted at "Victor Babeș" shows an "explosion" of lung cancer cases starting in 2020.
According to the hospital's data, nearly 80% of diagnosed patients suffer from lung cancer, and 9 out of 10 reach the doctor in advanced stages, when the disease is already difficult to treat.
"People need to understand that a persistent cough for 3 weeks means a lung disease, which often is oncological. Many patients believe it's nothing serious, then in a few months, they clinically collapse," emphasizes Dr. Oancea.
Screening saves lives: "A program dedicated to smokers would make a difference"
The hospital manager says that Romania urgently needs a screening program dedicated to individuals at high risk, especially smokers with a history of over 20 years or those with a family history of cancer.
Early detection can save lives. The earlier the treatment starts, the higher the chances of survival. But for this to happen, patients need to see the doctor in time.
Center of Excellence in Imaging in Timișoara
The "Victor Babeș" Hospital has recently developed an ultra-performing imaging HUB, unique in the Banat region, equipped with two MRI machines (one of 3 Tesla), two CT scanners, and the only PET-CT in the area. This center allows for the early diagnosis of lung cancer, as well as other types of oncological conditions.
Therefore, the infrastructure and team are in place, but the lack of a national program limits the capacity to help even more patients in time.
The hospital reminds that early detection is essential: any delay in seeing a doctor reduces the chances of successful treatment and, consequently, the chances of survival.