Lung cancer screening emphasized in Serbia ahead of World Lung Cancer Day

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Serbia, with roughly 7,000 new diagnoses and 5,000 fatalities each year. Because the disease often develops without clear symptoms, many cases are detected only at an advanced stage, reducing treatment options and survival rates.

Doctors Dr. Nikola Piljić and Dr. Irma Milinčić explain that early detection through low‑dose computed tomography (LDCT) can dramatically improve prognosis for high‑risk individuals, especially long‑term smokers. They stress that quitting smoking is still the most effective preventive measure, while also highlighting other risk factors such as radon exposure, air pollution, asbestos, and occupational chemicals.

Both physicians advise people to seek medical evaluation when persistent cough, unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, or coughing up blood occur, even if these signs seem mild. The push for screening coincides with World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, aiming to raise public awareness and encourage timely check‑ups across Serbia.