Lung cancer is a common form of cancer, but unfortunately it is still very difficult to treat. The disease is only discovered late, when there are already complaints. To improve treatment, a large population study will soon start. This is what you need to know about it.
The population screening is part of a brand new European study into the early detection of lung cancer. For whom is this population screening intended and how exactly is it examined? We’ll explain that to you.
Lung cancer detection
In the Netherlands, about 14,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, the Rotterdam Erasmus MC reports. The complaints often only arise after the cancer has developed for a while. The research, called 4-In-The-Lung-Run, is intended to ensure that lung cancer is detected faster, even before it causes symptoms. This is also known as a lung cancer screening or population screening.
Targeted at smokers
The most common and best-known cause of lung cancer is smoking. The research therefore focuses on people who have smoked for a long time or who have smoked for a long time. Will all Dutch people who light up a cigarette receive an invitation for the survey? No, not that. About 400,000 Dutch people between the ages of 60 and 79 will receive a letter in the near future to participate in the study. For some, the invitation is already on the doormat.
The people who are invited live in three regions: Amsterdam, Friesland and Bilthoven. The first region where the population screening will start is Amsterdam, around the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, which specializes in cancer.
Meet the requirements
The 4-In-The-Lung-Run study will start in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy and France. In total, more than 26,000 people are examined in all these European countries. ”To determine whether someone can really participate, the people who have been invited are asked to fill in a questionnaire. The research team then determines whether they really meet all the requirements,” said researcher Carlijn van der Aalst. Not all 400,000 Dutch people who receive an invitation will therefore actually be examined.
Examinations with CT scan
But how and – perhaps more importantly – what exactly is being investigated? The researchers want to determine how often a CT scan of the lungs is needed in a study and how best to reach people who are most at risk for lung cancer. A study shows that early detection of lung cancer with a CT scan in smokers and ex-smokers can reduce lung cancer mortality by as much as 25 percent or more. In the Netherlands, this would mean that about 1500 to 2500 fewer people die of lung cancer every year as a result of such a population screening. So a vital investigation.
“Stop smoking, or better yet, never starting smoking is the best way to prevent death from lung cancer,” the researchers emphasize. These seven tips will help you get rid of the cigarette.
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