Lung cancer: 9 out of 10 patients seek medical help too late

One Romanian dies every hour because of lung cancer, warn doctors from the „Victor Babeș” Hospital in Timișoara, on the occasion of World Lung Cancer Day. The lack of a national screening program and delayed diagnosis are the main reasons why this disease remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer in Romania.

„Romania still does not have a national screening program, which, alongside prevention and education, would be an essential way to detect cancer early,” warns Prof. Dr. Cristian Oancea, the hospital’s manager.

Over 12,000 Romanians are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, and in almost 80% of cases, the disease is caused by smoking. Even more worrying, the average age at which symptoms appear has dropped to 50–52 years, and most patients only see a doctor when the disease is already in advanced stages – III or IV.

„Many patients think a persistent cough is nothing serious. Then, within a few months, they collapse clinically. We need to understand that a cough lasting more than 3 weeks may signal cancer,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Oancea.

A study conducted over 12 years at the hospital showed a sharp increase in cases starting in 2020 – „a real explosion,” says the doctor.

Imaging excellence hub for early diagnosis

The „Victor Babeș” Hospital has developed a state-of-the-art imaging center, unique in western Romania, which includes two MRI scanners (including one with 3 Tesla), two CT scanners, and the only PET-CT device in Banat. These technologies enable early diagnosis not only of lung cancer but also of other oncological diseases.

„Any delay in seeing a doctor means late diagnosis, less effective treatment, and lower chances of survival,” the hospital manager warns.

The hospital’s multidisciplinary team includes pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists, geneticists, molecular diagnostics specialists, thoracic surgeons, and oncologists – an integrated structure that enables full and rapid evaluation of each case.

The urgent need: education and screening

In the absence of a national program, doctors propose a targeted screening initiative for smokers with more than 20 years of active use and people with a family history of lung cancer. But prevention starts with education:

„People need to understand the risks and not ignore early signs. Otherwise, we end up treating the disease when it’s already too late,” concludes Prof. Dr. Oancea.