Poland confronts rising pancreatic and lung cancer risks

Oncological surgeon Dr. Stanisław Hać explained that pancreatic cancer, which has the lowest survival rate among cancers, is linked to lifestyle factors such as high consumption of red meat, processed foods, excessive carbohydrates, obesity, diabetes, chronic alcohol use and smoking. He also noted that chronic pancreatitis and genetic predisposition increase risk, and that the disease is more common in affluent societies.

In Poland, lung cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumour, with more than 21,000 new cases and over 22,000 deaths each year – about 11 % of all cancer diagnoses but 22 % of all cancer deaths. The five‑year survival rate has risen to 22 % after the introduction of early‑detection programs using low‑dose CT scans. However, the disease still disproportionately affects smokers, accounting for roughly 30 % of men and 20 % of women, and projections forecast up to 37,000 cases annually by 2040.