Lung Cancer. Doctor check up x-ray image have problem lung tumor of patient.
On August 1, on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Lung Cancer, DR Fatima Chermiti, pulmonologist specializing in the diagnosis of lung cancer and member of the Tunisian association of respiratory diseases and allergology, launched an appeal to the intensification of awareness and early detection efforts.
She warned of late diagnosis in Tunisia, a situation that considerably reduces the chances of healing and increases mortality.
According to Dr. Chermiti, lung cancer is the most common cancer in men in Tunisia, while breast cancer remains the most common in women. What is particularly worrying is the increase in the number of new cases, combined with limited screening programs and a lack of awareness, especially in smokers.
She explained that the majority of Tunisian patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages, mainly in stages 3 and 4, where the healing rate is very low.
A diagnosis often too late
The specialist pointed out that 85 % of patients only consult a doctor when serious symptoms appear, such as cough with blood or unexplained weight loss. Many smokers neglect the first signs like chronic cough, considering it a normal consequence of tobacco. This negligence makes you lose a crucial chance of early diagnosis and effective treatment.
To reverse this trend, the Tunisian association of respiratory diseases and allergology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, conducts a pilot study on lung cancer screening by computed tomography (“scanner”).
Launched at the end of 2024 at the Abderrahmane Mami hospital in Ariana, this study aims to diagnose 500 potential cases by the end of the year. To date, around 200 people have already been examined.
The objective is not only to diagnose cases, but also to assess the cost and effectiveness of this method, in order to generalize it through a national early screening program. A national guide on lung cancer screening is also being developed to serve as a reference for doctors. Dr. Chermiti insisted that smoking, whether direct or passive, remains the main cause of lung cancer in Tunisia and in the world. Other risk factors include environmental pollution and genetic predispositions.
The association conducts regular campaigns in public places and health establishments to warn of the dangers of tobacco and offer free advice to quit smoking.
Alarming figures for 2024
According to official data, Tunisia has recorded nearly 22,690 new cancer cases in 2024. Among them, around 3,000 cases of lung cancer in men, making this disease the most widespread cancer in this category. Among women, breast cancer leads with nearly 4,400 cases. The other frequent cancers are those of the colon, rectum, bladder and prostate in men, and endometrium and thyroid in women.
