Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Coordinator Deputy Chief Physician and Medical Oncology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Burak Civelek, in his statement, said that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and in Turkey, after cardiovascular diseases.
Stating that the frequency of cancer varies according to gender, prostate cancer is the most common in men and breast cancer in women, Civelek said, “When the causes of cancer-related death are examined, lung cancer is the most common cause of death in both genders.”
Pointing out that the stage is important, especially in lung cancer, Civelek explained that stage 1 and stage 2 are different diseases and the treatment protocol varies.
Medical Oncology Specialist Civelek stated that tobacco use ranks first among the factors that cause lung cancer.
Stating that the increasing use of tobacco increases the frequency of lung cancer, Civelek said, “While case reports of lung cancer in women were rare in the 1920s, its frequency increased with the increase in smoking and exposure to smoke in parallel with the greater presence of women in business and social life.”
Emphasizing that changing the tobacco product does not reduce the effect on cancer development, Civelek said:
“Light cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, fruit flavored cigarettes etc. came out. Has the incidence of cancer decreased? No. When these came out, the type of lung cancer changed. Cancer subtypes that occur deeper in the lung and develop in the glands increased. Because there are approximately 15 different subtypes of lung cancer. The most common of these are small cell, squamous cell, adenocarcinoma and large cell types.The small cell cancer type is responsible for 20 percent of all lung cancers and is the one most closely associated with tobacco use.
Especially as the form of tobacco products such as light cigarettes changed, the incidence of lung cancer did not decrease, the frequency changed only from the squamous cell subtype to the adenocarcinoma type, and the subtypes of cancer that are seen deeper in the lung and develop in the glands increased. Cancers that develop deeper are detected later because they show symptoms later. Therefore, patients have less chance of surgery. In addition, the medications we use are also changing. “The effectiveness of smart drug treatments is less in people who smoke heavily.”
“The effects of electronic cigarettes will be seen in the long term”
Civelek stated that when a person inhales cigarette smoke, they fill their lungs with approximately 400 different chemicals, and emphasized that long-term results will be seen regarding the effects of electronic cigarettes.
Civelek stated that the incidence of lung cancer has begun to decrease somewhat in the world thanks to the fight against tobacco use, and that a significant acceleration can be gained in reducing the frequency of the disease by expanding smoking bans within the scope of “Smoke-Free Air Space” in Turkey.
Assoc. Dr. Burak Civelek emphasized that passive smoking also carries a great risk, and that the effect of cigarette exposure is 99.9 percent, especially on small cell type lung cancer.
Pointing out that people with a family history of lung cancer should be much more careful, Civelek said, “If a person with a family history smokes, it increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Therefore, it is important for those with a family history not to use tobacco products, and if they do, to quit immediately.” he warned.
“I gained strength by keeping my morale high”
54-year-old Ayten Saylam, who smoked for many years and lost her uncle to lung cancer, said that she was diagnosed with lung cancer 9 months ago.
Saylam stated that he was very sad when he was diagnosed and said, “I never got discouraged, I gained strength by keeping my morale high. Now I hope I am about to succeed, too.”
Stating that he was admitted to the hospital due to complaints of persistent cough, back and chest pain, Saylam said, “I smoked for 20 years, I was smoking a pack a day. My wife was also smoking. I quit smoking the day I was diagnosed. I advise everyone not to smoke. Smoking can cut people off from life, please do not worry.” “He should not smoke,” he advised.
Providing information about Saylam’s health condition, Assoc. Dr. Burak Civelek said that after the examination, it was determined that the patient was not suitable for surgery and chemotherapy was given. Civelek said:
“A serious response was received from chemotherapy and the disease was brought under control. The side effects of the treatment are also very minimal. It has now been decided to extend chemotherapy for a while. His struggle is an example for all of us. Fighting cancer is like a chess game; when the moves are made at the right time, the chance of success increases “Our patient is trying to make these moves according to our instructions. He has come a long way in his difficult struggle.”
