On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Lung Cancer (August 1), the pulmonologist Fatma Chermiti, member of the Tunisian Society for Respiratory and Allergology (STMRA), launched an appeal to multiply the awareness campaigns to encourage smokers to be tested.
In a declaration to the TAP agency, Chermiti stressed that an early diagnosis of lung cancer can strengthen the chances of healing and reduce the mortality rate. She recalled that this type of cancer is most common in men, while breast cancer predominates in women.
The specialist said that in the majority of cases, lung cancer is discovered at an advanced stage (stages III and IV), considerably reducing the chances of effective treatment. “Almost 85 % of patients only consult the appearance of serious symptoms such as cough accompanied by blood or weight loss,” she said regretting that many smokers neglect early signs, such as chronic cough, thus compromising any possibility of early detection.
Chermititi also indicated that the Tunisian respiratory disease company leads, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, a field study on early detection of lung cancer by computed tomography (scanner).
Launched at the end of 2024 at Abderrahmane Mami Hospital in Ariana, the study aims to diagnose 500 potential cases by the end of 2025. To date, around 200 people have been examined. The objective of this initiative is also to assess the cost and efficiency of these exams, with a view to integrating screening in a national program. A national guide for early screening is also being developed, and will be distributed to public health establishments.
Chermititi insisted on the central role of smoking, active or passive, in the development of lung cancer, highlighting the impact of other factors such as pollution and genetic history. She recalled that awareness campaigns are regularly carried out in public places and health institutions, offering advice and support for the stop of smoking.
According to official figures, Tunisia recorded in 2024 some 22,690 new cases of cancer, including 3,000 cases of lung cancer in men. Breast cancer remains the most widespread in women with around 4,400 cases. The other types of diagnosed cancer include those of the colon, rectum, bladder and prostate in men, as well as endometrium and thyroid in women.
