Lung cancer in focus on World Day as Saudi Arabia steps up fight

Saturday, August 1 marks World Lung Cancer Day, drawing attention to the world’s deadliest cancer. While its main causes are well known, smoking remains the leading risk factor.

Khaled Al-Qattan, consultant in lung surgery and transplantation at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and dean of the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University, said quitting smoking is "the primary pillar" in reducing the disease, surpassing any modern diagnostic or therapeutic technology.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment

Al-Qattan noted that early detection techniques, such as PET-CT scans, have become more precise in determining the stage of the disease, enabling tailored treatment plans for each patient. He added that immunotherapy has marked a significant breakthrough, helping the immune system target cancer cells and yielding promising results in disease control and patient survival.

On the surgical front, Al-Qattan explained that the use of endoscopy and robotic surgery has reduced complications and sped up recovery, in addition to improving surgical outcomes.

Saudi Arabia makes progress in tackling the disease

Al-Qattan linked this local progress to Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes prevention, early detection, and public health promotion by supporting research and implementing advanced screening standards. This is complemented by anti-smoking campaigns and awareness initiatives targeting high-risk groups, in cooperation with universities and scientific and charitable organizations.

He stressed that the availability of modern technologies and the growing expertise of Saudi medical professionals have significantly improved treatment outcomes, placing the Kingdom among leading countries in lung cancer care. Al-Qattan concluded by emphasizing that the most crucial decision in this battle lies with smokers themselves: to quit immediately.