Twelfth commandment: cure every patient, at best, wherever it is
(by Nicla Simonetti) Lung cancer is the form of cancer in which tobacco smoke is the most important risk factor. The probability of developing the disease is higher than 14 times in smokers compared to non-smokers. It increases up to 20 times in those who consume more than 20 cigarettes a day. In Italy, tobacco products are responsible for over 9 deaths on 10 for lung cancer. Passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing this neoplasm of about 30%. The other risk factors are: air pollution (in the 2013 the International Agency for Research on Cancer - IARC - has classified air pollution and fine particles among human carcinogens of the 1 type), exposure to fiber asbestos ( mainly causes mesothelioma, but also increases the danger of the onset of lung cancer), exposure to certain chemicals and minerals (including radon, asbestos, chromium, cadmium and arsenic), age (passing from the age range of 35 to that of 75 years, the incidence grows of 20 times for women and 100 for men) and personal predisposition. The role of genetic predisposition has been the focus of many studies in recent years. In any case, the role of tobacco smoke remains predominant.
Quitting smoking is paramount in prevention, as 85% of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarettes. Early diagnosis (secondary prevention) is desirable, especially if associated with primary prevention (smoking cessation), to reduce mortality. The figures frighten but are not enough, evidently, to convince to eliminate the habit-habit.
This type of cancer, due to its size and the cruelty that characterizes it, concerns health care.
In 2018, in 41.500, new lung cancer diagnoses are expected in 4 (30 per day), of which over XNUMX% will concern women.
It is 11% of all new cancer diagnoses in the general population and, in particular, 14% of these in males and 8% in females.
It is estimated that currently 1 man on 10 and a woman on 34 may develop lung cancer later in life.
As for mortality, 2015 deaths from lung cancer (ISTAT) were registered in Italy in 33.836. Lung cancer is the leading cause of almost 4 cancer death per day) in males (26% of total cancer deaths) and the third cause in women after breast and colorectal cancer (11% of total cancer deaths) ). Among men, lung cancer ranks first among the causes of death by cancer in all age groups, being responsible for the 15% of cancer deaths among young people (0-49 years) of the 29 % among adults (50-69 years) and 25% among those over seventy. In women, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the age groups 0-49 and 50-69 years (respectively 9% and 15%) and the third cause in over seventy years (10%).
The perfidy of this tumor
Stop, therefore, in the interests of the individual and society.
The "commandment" - invitation comes from an assembly of researchers, clinicians, by Onlus Wallace (European-wide association, informs about the risks of smoking, supports patients, sensitizes the population towards the pathology), Women's Health, Lung cancer Association Europe (presented a Report, denouncing that diagnosis, assistance and care are not the same for everyone), federation it. ass. volunteering in oncology, CittadinanzAttiva.
Another complaint made in the meeting held in Rome on Tuesday 7 November, is:
"In Europe, access to diagnostic tests and innovative therapies is not the same for all patients. This can be seen from the Ass. Report. Lung Cancer Europa (attending Stefania Vallone) that highlights disparities between the regions and waits up to one year for new drugs.
For lung cancer - said prof. Francesco Cognetti, director of medical oncology ist. tumors Regina Elena, Rome - new and revolutionary drugs would be available but not always available, despite European and, sometimes, Italian approval. Some regions claim the right to postpone their availability to the detriment of the health of their citizens. "For the oncologist who is treating them, the situation determines a sense of extreme helplessness and frustration ... in the last 10 years, research has made great strides with new drugs that act directly on that tumor (target) and immunotherapy that has revolutionized the therapeutic standard…. Just think of pembrolizumab, the first immuno-oncological molecule ".
The protest was severe, along with the proposal to use the State-Regions conference so that every patient, wherever he may be, can find available treatment - the most suitable for his illness - to defeat the evil that has struck him. And it would be even savings for the National Health Service.