"25 September World Lung Day", declared by the International Forum of Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about lung health, is especially important in terms of drawing attention to the so-called "big five" diseases. On this special day, the Turkish Respiratory Research Association (TÜSAD) drew attention to the problems caused by the big 5, including "COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis and lung cancer". TÜSAD Lung Cancer Working Group Chairman Assoc. Dr. In the statement made by Pınar Akın Kabalak, she reminded that these five lung diseases are the leading cause of an alarming number of deaths and disabilities all over the world, and said, "It is very important to prevent lung diseases before they occur with early diagnosis and treatment." TÜSAD also called for measures to be taken to reduce inequalities in treatment.
Providing information about lung diseases that negatively affect human health, Kabalak explained the consequences of the diseases called the "big 5" as follows:
Lung cancer ranks first in cancer-related deaths. Lung cancer is three times more deadly than prostate cancer in men and three times more deadly than breast cancer in women. It is estimated that 238 thousand 340 more people will be diagnosed with lung cancer by the end of 2023. It is estimated that approximately 12,070 of these patients will die due to lung cancer.
Approximately 3.2 million people die annually due to COPD. Asthma is the most common non-communicable disease, affecting 262 million people. Unfortunately, tuberculosis, whose frequency has increased especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, has started to become a serious public health problem again.
ECONOMIC BURDEN AND INEQUALITY IS ALSO A PROBLEM
Noting that there has been a significant increase in the economic burden of these five serious lung diseases, Kabalak said: “For example, the annual cost of pneumonia treatment is calculated as 71-167 billion dollars. In America, an annual budget of 18 billion dollars is allocated for asthma. "When the imbalance and inequality in income distribution is added to these high figures, people are condemned to inadequate health care services, especially in low-income countries."
Stating that the theme of World Lung Day this year is "access to precautions and treatment for everyone without leaving anyone behind", Kabalak said: "Early diagnosis and screening methods need to become widespread in order to reduce the global burden. "It is very important to reduce inequalities in the prevention and treatment of lung diseases," he said. Kabalak gave the following example on this subject: “After the announcement of the effective vaccine in the COVID-19 pandemic, it took an average of 100 days later for the vaccine to reach low-income countries and it could only be applied to 25 percent of the population. This rate is 72 percent in developed countries. For this reason, all relevant institutions, especially states and international organizations, should be organized to deliver the necessary precautions and treatment requirements for lung health to every individual without exception.”
CHIEF RESPONSIBLE TOBACCO AND AIR POLLUTION
Kabalak said, “Protecting respiratory health has become increasingly difficult due to air pollution, tobacco products and climate change.” He also made the following warnings: “Exposure to tobacco and tobacco products is a very important but preventable factor. Although the use of tobacco products in young people with menthol cigarettes or electronic cigarettes is tried to be shown as less harmful and innocent, the effects they create are at least as harmful as classic cigarettes. The use of tobacco and tobacco products is the leading cause of lung cancer. Occupational exposure ranks second. Exposure to substances such as radon gas, indoor and outdoor air pollution, arsenic, asbestos, and diesel exhaust fumes increases the risk. With increasing urbanization and decreasing forest lands, we are unknowingly exposed to these risks in daily life. "Due to the massive fires that occur as a result of global climate change, the rate of particulate matter in the air increases and the quality of breathing air decreases."
SPECIAL EVENT AT MUSEUM GAZHANE
Meanwhile, a special event is being organized within the scope of World Lung Day on September 27 by the Turkish Respiratory Coalition, of which TÜSAD is a stakeholder. The event, which will take place between 13:00-19:00 at the Marketplace in Gazhane Museum, will include public seminars on lung health, as well as lung capacity measurements, pedaling area and exercise training for respiratory health. TÜSAD President Prof. Dr. Şule Akçay said, “We offer free respiratory health services to all Istanbulites.We invite you to this event where screening and measurements will be made. "With this special organization organized by the Turkish Respiratory Coalition, we will inform our people about lung health and carry out activities to increase Turkey's awareness of respiratory health."
