Lung cancer, 800 cases per year. The use of tobacco increases the number and decreases the age of affected persons

Lung cancer is killing Albanians, as it is not only frequent but also has a high mortality rate.

Statistics show 800 new cases per year. This cancer affects both men and women. Smoking from a young age of 9.11 years makes their lungs vulnerable and absorbs more toxins.

Doctors say that there are patients with lung cancer even in their 30s, so we should not ignore the signs that this disease gives, even more so by family doctors who, when they notice a persistent cough, should refer patients to a pulmonologist .

 "Unfortunately, the age of diagnosis with lung tumor disease has decreased. It used to be a disease at a relatively young age of 45 to 50 years. Currently, we have patients of young ages under 40 who are in advanced stages, in the third or fourth stage. The first signs are a persistent cough which may or may not be accompanied by sputum for a longer period than a month which may be accompanied by a non-febrile temperature for a long period. Family doctors should also consider sending him to a pulmonologist," said Jonida Tula, an oncologist.

But what are the factors that cause lung cancer besides smoking?

"It is enough to have one lung and be at risk of lung cancer. Smoking is the main cause and accounts for almost 80% of the causes that create lung cancer. The presence of radon gas in the house, the products we have in the air with the composition of asbestos or hydrocarbon decomposition. There are also genetic factors that make up a small part of the causes", said Arben Tanka, pulmonologist.

Albania ranks first for high mortality in the Balkan countries.