Millions of people worldwide lose their lives to lung cancer every year, making it the primary cause of cancer-related fatalities globally. Patients with lung cancer still have a poor prognosis even with advances in treatment, mostly because of late-stage diagnosis. Improving survival rates and treatment results requires early identification.
Lung cancer is generally asymptomatic in its early stages, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and advanced illness by the time symptoms develop. Common symptoms include an ongoing cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms generally appear after the malignancy has advanced.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans have emerged as an important method for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Annual LDCT screenings for high-risk patients, such as long-term smokers, can detect tumours at a more curable stage, considerably boosting the likelihood of effective intervention. Studies demonstrate that LDCT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20% in high-risk populations.
Early identification opens up a wider choice of treatment options, such as surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which are more effective when cancer is in its early stages. Public awareness initiatives and accessible screening programmes are critical for encouraging early diagnosis and improving results. By prioritising early detection, we may save lives and lessen the catastrophic impact of lung cancer worldwide.