• Implementation of preventive measures based on early signs of lung cancer to reduce the risk of development
  • Mohammad reza Foroughi-Gilvaee,1 Seyedeh Fatemeh Angoshtan,2,* Aida Goudarzi,3
    1. 1. Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box: 14395/515, Tehran, Iran
    2. Department of clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
    3. Department of clinical sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Accounting for nearly 1.8 million deaths annually. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for patients remains poor, mainly because many individuals are diagnosed at the later stages. Early diagnosis is crucial in increasing the survival rates; however, the disease is often diagnosed in the advanced stage due to non-specific or ambiguous symptoms during the early stage. Recent advancements in understanding the early signs and risk factors of lung cancer have provided opportunities for new prevention methods focused on stopping the progression of the disease. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of various potentials that can be implemented in order to identify early signs and individuals at risk. The article offers a comprehensive review of reduced risk factors in lung cancer and outlines how early intervention may have a positive impact on patients’ outcomes based on the available literature.
  • Methods: Review of the literature was conducted by searching databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published in the last ten years (2014–2024). Keywords such as “Lung Neoplasm”, “Tobacco Smoking”, “Early Detection of Cancer”, and “Prevention” were used. Studies were selected based on their relevance to early detection, risk factor modification, and the implementation of preventive measures targeting individuals exhibiting early signs of lung cancer or belonging to high-risk groups. Studies were included if they focused on the implementation or evaluation of preventive strategies aimed at individuals with early signs of lung cancer or those at increased risk due to genetic, environmental, or behavioral factors.
  • Results: Tobacco use, environmental pollution, genetics, diet, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are some risk factors for lung cancer. There has long been an urgent need for an effective screening test to detect lung cancer early and thereby reduce mortality. Sputum cytology, chest radiography, bronchoscopies, computed tomography (CT), and low-dose computed tomography have been investigated as potential screening tests to improve survival. There has been recent advances in liquid biopsy, DNA- or RNA-based biomarkers and proteins, for lung cancer early detection which we have also discussed in this review. Individuals at increased risk of developing lung cancer can also be identified using the PLCOm2012 model. Tobacco control and smoking prevention are the most important primary prevention measures against lung cancer. Preventing exposure to secondhand smoke, lung carcinogens such as asbestos, arsenic, nickel, and chromium and also radon results in decreased incidence and mortality from primary lung cancers. Additionally, β-carotene supplements increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Thereby, smokers should also avoid β-carotene supplementation. On the other hand, there have been multiple studies in the past and a few ongoing studies to identify effective chemopreventive agents for lung cancer. Early detection and screening as well as treatment and therapy play vital roles in preventing lung cancer at early stages. Currently, the treatment options for lung cancer can be categorized into two main groups: chemotherapeutic agents and novel antibody-based therapies, commonly referred to as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
  • Conclusion: Due to the increase in the incidence of lung cancer, a strong emphasis should be placed on prevention based on early signs of lung cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the efficiency of prevention and early diagnosis to reduce the risk of metastasis and development. Technological and biological advances emphasize the need to accelerate early detection research and improve cancer survival.
  • Keywords: Lung Neoplasm, Tobacco Smoking, Early Detection of Cancer, Prevention