At Denizli Private Egekent Hospital, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Nurşen Avkan emphasized that smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, noting that being exposed to cigarette smoke is just as significant a risk as smoking itself.
Providing information regarding Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Avkan stated that many factors, from smoking to air pollution, can cause cancer, and said, “The most important cause of lung cancer is smoking. The risk of lung cancer is much higher in smokers compared to non-smokers. In individuals with an average smoking history of 20 years, the increase in risk is significant.”
“Passive smokers are also at risk”
Specialist Dr. Avkan noted that not only smokers but also passive smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer, stating: “The risk of developing lung cancer in passive smokers also increases significantly. The worst aspect of smoking, both for smokers and passive smokers, is that its harmful effects do not appear immediately; they manifest after decades. In households where smoking occurs, the risk of passive smokers developing lung cancer increases. Children in such homes also have a higher likelihood of contracting lung infections.”
“Routine check-ups should not be neglected”
Avkan emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, adding that routine check-ups should therefore not be neglected.