Lung Cancer Goes Unnoticed for Years - Dangerous Symptoms Named

Lung cancer often goes unnoticed due to the absence of pain in early stages. Around 2.2 million cases are detected worldwide annually, in Israel 2,500–3,000, with a survival rate of 20–25%. Symptoms include persistent cough, blood, shortness of breath, and pain. Screening is low-dose CT for smokers aged 50–80.

Lung cancer remains one of the most dangerous oncological diseases, as most patients are diagnosed at late stages. The tumor can develop for a long time with almost no pain or pronounced symptoms, since the deep tissues of the lungs weakly transmit pain sensations. Worldwide, about 2.2 million new cases are detected annually, and about 1.8 million people die from this disease. In Israel, approximately 2,500–3,000 patients are diagnosed each year, with an overall survival rate of about 20–25%. In about 70% of cases, the disease is detected after it has already spread. Warning signs include a new cough that does not go away for a long time, a change in a habitual chronic cough, blood when coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, prolonged hoarseness, pain in the chest, back, or shoulder, especially on deep inhalation. Also alarming are unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, constant weakness, and fatigue. The main risk factor remains smoking, but 15–20% of cases are diagnosed in non-smokers. Low-dose computed tomography of the chest is considered an effective method for early detection. In Israel, screening is available to heavy and former smokers aged 50 to 80 who meet the criteria. From September 2026, an additional screening program will begin operating at the Ziv Medical Center. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biological and targeted drugs.