An analysis published by The Independent placed the Lung cancer move to the center of the health debate through linking common physical signs are underestimated with an illness that continues to be one of the Main causes of oncological mortality.
The report coincided with the announcement of the National Health Service England (NHS)which progressed in the incorporation of a Pioneer blood test to improve the detection and treatment of this pathology.
The UK Public Systems Initiative introduced Liquid biopsy global reach, designed for identification Tumor DNA fragments in the blood.
This tool aimed at that Speed up diagnoses and to facilitate early access to personalized therapies, in a scenario where early detection remains a crucial factor in patient prognosis.
NHS England announced the phased rollout of this liquid biopsy test in May, initially used in people with lung cancer and then expanded to include patients with lung cancer Breast cancer.
The analysis allowed us to identify specific genetic mutations from circulating tumor material, the reduced the need for tissue biopsies in numerous cases.
According to health authorities around 15,000 patients per year could benefit from its implementation. The test was expanded after a pilot involving 10,000 people with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common subtype of the disease.
NHS officials confirmed the aim was to detect a wider range of genetic variants and assess suitability for targeted treatments.
The doctor Jenny Messengera respiratory and general medicine specialist at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital, said The Independent that “lung cancer is a Disease in which uncontrolled cell growth occurs in the lungs, leading to tumors“.
Furthermore, he noted that “lung cancer is unfortunately the leading cause of cancer death in the UK.”
However, according to the specialist, there are several possible causes of the disease Smoking is the focus. It is also related to genetic factors, Pollution, obesityAsbestos exposure and occupational contact with certain chemical substances.
The diagnosis is usually made by Computed tomography of the chestimportant tool for detecting injuries in the early stages.
The doctor Rachel OrrittHealth information manager at Cancer Research UK, stressed: “It can be tempting to attribute changes to age or another health condition. It is important to consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual or persistent. In most cases it is not cancer, but if it is, catching it at an early stage can make a big difference.”
From the NHS and the experts cited by The Independentthat was highlighted Certain common symptoms can serve as early warning signsespecially if they persist over a long period of time. Signs that experts shouldn’t ignore include:
- shortness of breatheither when carrying out normal activities or when breathing difficulties persist.
- Recurrent chest infectionsthat do not go away or improve with treatment.
- Prolonged or bloody coughincluding modification of a pre-existing cough.
- Tiredness for no apparent reasonwhich does not give in when resting.
- Unintentional weight losswithout changes in diet or physical activity.
- Decreased appetite.
- Inexplicable painsuch as constant shoulder or chest pain that gets progressively worse.
- Voice changessuch as persistent hoarseness lasting more than four to six weeks.
- Repeated respiratory infectionsB. Bronchitis or pneumonia, which improve temporarily and often come back.
As for them Treatments availableDr. Messenger listed: “Options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy,” depending on the type and development of the tumor.
Regarding the preventionthe specialist was emphatic: “Lung cancer can be prevented, especially in smokers, by quitting smoking as quickly as possible.”. In this sense, various experts have also pointed this out Quitting smoking progressively reduces the riskwith relevant acceptances 10 or 15 years have stopped smoking.
Data cited by the American Cancer Society stated that the consumption of Cigars and “light” cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer to a level comparable to that of traditional cigarettes.
In addition, various studies suggest that the products flavored with menthol can be particularly harmful through facilitation deeper inhalations.
At the same time, the Vaping gained popularity as a supposed alternative to smoking cessation, despite experts and studies warning against it its risks and be limited effectiveness as a quitting strategy.
In this context, the progress of NHS with liquid biopsy was integrated into a more comprehensive approach that was combined diagnostic innovation, Early detection And Awareness of risk factors associated with a disease that continues to pose a major health challenge.
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