SEMERGEN warns that tobacco is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Spain

On the occasion of International Lung Cancer Day, the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) is issuing a message to raise awareness of the serious threat posed by this type of tumor and the need for preventive measures and early diagnosis to reduce its impact. . This disease, closely associated with tobacco use, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Spain and affects more than 2.1 million people worldwide, accounting for 14% of all cancer diagnoses. In addition, lung carcinoma is the leading cause of death in men worldwide.

Every year in Spain, 30,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed, of which 23,000 die. According to the Cancer Observatory of the Spanish Cancer Association, this type of cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Spain. The numbers are alarming, especially considering that 70% of diagnoses are made in late stages of the disease, limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates.

SEMERGEN insists that this type of cancer is preventable, urging citizens to avoid or quit tobacco use to reduce their risk. “Without a doubt, there is a strong correlation between tobacco consumption and the occurrence of lung cancer, a disease that causes enormous harm to the individual, family and society as a whole. However, the good news we can give is that it is a cancer that can be prevented by quitting smoking or quitting as soon as possible.” indicates Dr. Jose Luis Maroto, tobacco group SEMERGEN.

Since 2001, mortality from lung cancer in men in Spain has tended to stabilize and even decrease. However, the picture is different for women: mortality has increased by 120%, and if this trend continues, it will soon exceed mortality rates from breast cancer. This phenomenon reflects the increase in smoking among the female population in recent decades.

Impact of tobacco and other risk factors

There is a clear dose-response relationship between tobacco consumption and lung cancer: the greater the daily cigarette consumption and the longer the period of exposure, the greater the risk of developing the disease. The greater the number of cigarettes smoked and the more years of smoking, the higher the likelihood of developing lung cancer. It has also been shown that early initiation of tobacco use will lead to a greater likelihood of developing this cancer.

It is estimated that 90% of lung cancer cases are directly related to smoking. However, it is important to note that other factors may also be at play. Non-tobacco causes include exposure to radon, asbestos, arsenic, cadmium, carbon, beryllium, silica, nickel, air pollution, treatment of other tumors requiring chest radiation therapy, certain lung diseases such as fibrosis, COPD, and tuberculosis. and finally, genetic factors.

Late diagnosis and the need for screening programs

As emphasized Dr. Raoul de Simone, Coordinator of the WG on Smoking, “One of the main problems in the fight against lung cancer is late diagnosis, as many patients do not recognize warning symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss. In addition, unlike other types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer, there are no population-based screening programs for lung cancer in Spain, despite population-based studies that show the effectiveness of screening. In this case, we urge health authorities to consider this measure to reduce mortality and improve survival rates.

Call for prevention and adoption of healthy habits

The SEMERGEN Tobacco Working Group urges society and institutions to intensify the fight against smoking and promote healthy lifestyles. Adopting habits such as quitting smoking, exercising, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding obesity and excessive alcohol consumption, and taking sun exposure precautions can reduce overall cancer mortality by 30%.

Unlike other awareness events, International Lung Cancer Day often goes unnoticed. SEMERGEN wants to take this date to remember that lung cancer is a preventable disease and highlight the importance of early and effective intervention. The day is an opportunity to demonstrate the devastating impact of lung cancer on society and encourage citizens and institutions to take action that can save lives.