Every year, about 4,800 people in Switzerland develop lung cancer, and about 250 cases occur in Ticino. After Zurich, our canton is the second to have launched a prevention campaign, which, as explained by Professor Stefano Cafarotti, confirmed what we have known for years: "We have long recognized that a culture of prevention is essential, not only to save human lives but also to reduce healthcare costs. (Lung Cancer 2018 Jun:121:61-69; Int J Cancer 2024 Feb 15;154(4):636-647). The incidence of the costs, not only economic but also social, of taking charge of and treating a patient with a tumour identified in its early stages is naturally much lower than that of a patient who has to be treated when the tumour is already advanced."
To make the initiative more effective, in Ticino, the project engaged family doctors who identified potentially at-risk patients, who then underwent tests at the offices of Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC). The hundred patients examined were aged between 55 and 74 and were all smokers or former smokers (at least 20 cigarettes a day). Lung nodules were found in 44 cases, and 15% required a new CAT scan and a more thorough examination. The Centre for Lung Cancer of Southern Switzerland, certified two years ago, meets international quality criteria set by the Deutsche Krebs Gesellschaft (DKG) and collaborates with family doctors to support patients.
The recently promoted screening programme also turns the spotlight on the role of politics in the prevention of lung cancer. This type of cancer accounts for 15% of all male cancers and 8% of all female cancers, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. It is one of the four most common types of cancer, alongside colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. However, unlike these other three, there has never been a systematic screening process for lung cancer until now.
Professor Cafarotti concluded by mentioning another central theme: "We must not forget that it is important not to smoke, even electronic cigarettes and that it is possible to quit with the help of the Lung Association or the doctors of the EOC clinics in the area, who do an excellent job of breaking nicotine addiction. Those who quit progressively reduce their cardiovascular risks and, over time, their oncological risks too. It is important to note that another risk factor for lung cancer is radon. This natural gas originates from underground and, along with atmospheric pollution, contributes to lung cancer development in 35% of cases."
The full interview with Professor Stefano Cafarotti by Mauro Spignesi for Corriere del Ticino, is available at the following.
