Belarus’ researchers screen 1,500 smokers, find 16 early-stage cancer cases

November 17, BPN. Lung cancer screening among more than 1,500 smokers revealed 16 cases of early-stage cancer, said Alaksiej Kurčankoŭ, a leading researcher with the N. N. Alexandrov National Cancer Center’s laboratory.

The screening program focuses on men aged 50 to 70 with at least 20 years of smoking, consuming at least a pack of cigarettes a day, he told reporters in Minsk on November 17. Low-dose computed tomography tests are done in the Salihorsk, Minsk and Hrodna districts.

Kurčankoŭ said all 16 patients underwent surgery. Most of them were diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 cancer. A standard X-ray examination, the oncologist said, detects less than 40 percent of patients with lung cancer at such early stages.

“The state should continue screening studies and the fight against smoking,” the researcher said. “Belarus has banned advertising of tobacco products, they are sold in specially designated places. Next, healthy lifestyle and non-smoking should be advertised as widely as possible.”