Persistent Cough or Hoarseness? These Are the Warning Signs of Lung Cancer

Marking World Lung Cancer Day, experts at Ziv Medical Center warn of suspicious symptoms and stress the importance of early detection. About 70% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and only 20%-25% survive. Low-dose CT screening is available for heavy smokers aged 50-80, and a screening program will open at Ziv in September 2026.

Marking World Lung Cancer Day, observed yesterday, experts at Ziv Medical Center warn about one of the deadliest types of cancer. Despite advances in treatment, the mortality rate remains high, mainly because most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. According to data, about 2.2 million people worldwide are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, and about 1.8 million die from the disease. In Israel, between 2,500 and 3,000 new patients are diagnosed annually, and the overall survival rate is about 20%-25%. Dr. Ihab Ashkar, a lung disease specialist at Ziv, explains that in its early stages the disease causes almost no symptoms, so about 70% of patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed. Symptoms requiring medical evaluation include a new persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, prolonged hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue. Smoking is the main risk factor, but secondhand smoke, air pollution, radon, and asbestos also increase risk. About 15%-20% of those diagnosed are non-smokers. Low-dose CT screening is available for heavy smokers aged 50-80, and a screening program will open at Ziv in September 2026. Dr. Mu'taz Safadi, director of the lung cancer field, notes that new treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, enable a cure in many cases when detected early.