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Every year in Switzerland, approximately 4,900 people get lung cancer and approximately 3,300 people die from it. According to experts, it is generally the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. A malignant tumor in the lungs is often detected late, as it causes almost no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why only 20 percent of those affected are cancer-free five years after diagnosis and treatment.
A long-term study published in the United States in November 2023 shows that if lung cancer is caught and treated at an early stage, there is an over 80 percent chance of still being cancer-free after 20 years. Early detection is also available in Switzerland.
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What kind of method is this?
It is low dose computed tomography. This is a special 3D x-ray examination that creates images of specific organs or areas of the body. This allows lung cancer to be detected at an earlier stage. The national lung cancer screening program offers this lung screening as a preventative examination. “Our mission is to reduce the high mortality rate from lung cancer,” says Jürg Hurter (88), President of the Foundation.
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Who is the exam intended for?
“Our program specifically targets people at high risk of lung cancer,” says Hurter. These include people aged 50 and over who are primarily smokers or heavy smokers, that is, smoked a pack of cigarettes every day for at least 20 years. 80 percent of lung cancer diagnoses are caused by smoking. The risk group also includes people over 50 with a family history of lung cancer. The same goes for people who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke or other substances that cause lung cancer, such as asbestos or diesel fumes, over a long period of time.
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How does early detection work?
Those who want to be examined can register themselves. “By using an intake questionnaire, we ensure that the person falls into the risk group and is allowed to take the exam,” says Hurter. If a person is at high risk of lung cancer, they can make an appointment for a computed tomography in Bern, Zurich or Bregenz (A). During the examination, you lie on a table and the table is gently pushed through a ring-shaped opening. Radiologists then analyze the images. According to Hurter, the examination costs no more than four weeks of smoking. The health insurance company does not cover the costs.
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What happens when the result is there?
If nothing unusual is seen in the images, it means you don’t have lung cancer, Hurter says. “Or the clues are so small that nothing can be recognized yet.” If you see something unusual in the pictures, there’s no need to worry, according to Hurter. “There are many harmless abnormalities in the lungs, such as scarring from previous inflammation.” However, the radiologist may recommend repeating the examination after three, six or twelve months to rule out the possibility that the change is malignant.
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How useful is the investigation?
There is always a debate in medicine about how effective tests are in detecting cancer early. A panel of experts analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of lung screening in Switzerland from 2019 to 2022 and concluded that it is recommended for risk groups to undergo preventive examination.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
