Are you are a regular smoker? For yes, doctors advise regular screening for lung cancer to ensure early detection. You are well aware of the fact that smoking can cause lung cancer. Repeating the same thing will be of no use if you still can’t quit smoking. So, at least go for regular screening for early detection (If the case).

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On Sunday, Dr. Subhrajit Dasgupta the director of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Cancer Hospital and Research Centre said, “No doubt treatments are getting better but lung cancer still kills more men and women than any other type of cancer.”

He said, “Lungs are internal organs and there are no visible symptoms like lumps in case of lung cancer. Still, smokers must understand that they are at risk. They must not ignore any cough that stays more than three weeks even after taking medicines.”

He conveyed the same at ‘Update on lung cancer’. Organized by RST Cancer Hospital and Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nagpur branch. Various aspects of lung cancer were discussed by expert pulmonologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and surgeons, which has the highest rate of mortality in all cancers.

The majority of lung cancer patients die within a year of diagnosis, only 17% of them can survive for 5 years said pulmonologist Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar. He added, “This is because of lung cancer patient report at an advanced stage.”

So far, there is no screening program for lung cancer in India, doctors said. The pulmonologist Dr. Sushant Meshram quoted, “A person who is smoking from a significant period should meet doctors and go for a CT Scan. Early detection and quitting smoking may add some more years to your life.”

While Dr. Deepak Muthreja talked about endobronchial ultrasound trans-bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), an initial diagnostic and staging procedure for the detection of lung cancer.“This technique is faster, cheaper and effective than CT or PET scan. It provides real-time imaging of the surface of the airways, blood vessels, lungs, and lymph nodes,” he added.

Different aspects were discussed by doctors. Histopathologist Dr. Kamayani Deshpande discussed challenges in the diagnosis of lung cancer. The elaboration on current trends by Dr. Vaibhav Chaudhary and Dr. Parag Ingle. Joint director of RST Hospital Dr. Prasanna Joshi coordinated the interactive session while Dr. B K Sharma conducted the proceedings.

Who needs regular screening for lung cancer?

For your knowledge, lung cancer is deadly as it doesn’t show any symptoms. Above all, the diagnoses are mostly in an advanced stage where it becomes difficult to cure it. People included in the below list must get regular screening for lung cancer.

• People of age above 50 years and currently a smoker must go for screening once a year.

• Even those who have quit smoking need to be screened once in a year up to 15 years.

• Smokers even without any clinical signs or symptoms should go for screening.

The Screening process involves a low dose CT scan and a clinical evaluation which is painless and fast.

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