Every day, 26 Belgians are diagnosed with lung cancer, but 1 in 5 are unaware of the symptoms.

On average, 26 Belgians are diagnosed with lung cancer daily, and each day, 16 succumb to the disease. Research by All.Can Belgium reveals that one in five Belgians cannot identify the early symptoms of lung cancer. Yet, early diagnosis significantly increases survival chances.

In October 2024, All.Can Belgium partnered with research agency Indiville to survey 1,124 Belgians on their knowledge of lung cancer. The survey uncovered that 21% of respondents were unaware of the early symptoms of the disease. 

More than 10% of participants did not recognize that a persistent cough lasting over nine weeks, recurring lung infections, or coughing up blood are early signs of lung cancer. Additionally, 18% failed to link unexplained weight loss, and 15% persistent fatigue, with the disease, despite these being critical warning signs. 

Alarmingly, 6% of respondents said they would not visit a doctor if they experienced symptoms suggestive of lung cancer, and 11% would delay seeking medical attention for three weeks to a month. 

“However, symptoms such as persistent breathlessness, coughing up blood, sudden weight loss, or chest pain demand immediate medical attention,” stresses Prof. Dr. Ingel Demedts, pulmonologist at AZ Delta Roeselare. “These symptoms warrant a chest X-ray, ideally a CT scan.

Higher survival rates with early detection

Since lung cancer symptoms are often unrecognized, limited or entirely absent in the early stages, two-thirds of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (stage III or IV), according to the latest fact sheet from the Belgian Cancer Registry.

However, early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. Contrary to common belief, a lung cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean a death sentence. Patients diagnosed at stage I have an 82% survival rate five years after diagnosis, whereas the survival rate for stage IV is much lower, between 7% and 18%. 

“The ‘Clear the Air on Lung Cancer’ campaign aims to educate the public about lung cancer warning signs,” explains Prof. Demedts. “We also emphasize the importance of addressing risk factors, particularly those within an individual’s control. Quitting smoking is the single most effective action to lower the risk of lung cancer.”

It's always the right time to stop smoking

The survey also highlights significant gaps in awareness about lung cancer risk factors. Over 40% of respondents felt inadequately informed about how to prevent the disease.

Smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer, yet 4 in 10 people are unaware that quitting smoking reduces the risk, regardless of how long they have smoked. While the sooner one quits, the better, it is never too late to stop smoking for health benefits..

Prof. Dr. Thierry Berghmans, Head of Thoracic Oncology at the Jules Bordet Institute:

"Besides lung cancer, smoking increases the risk of numerous other illnesses, smokers face a higher likelihood of coronary and peripheral artery diseases, which can lead to heart attacks. Quitting smoking also mitigates these risks." 

Encouragingly, 65% of those who have smoked have since quit. However, 7% of respondents continue to smoke daily, and 6.5% report smoking occasionally.

A common misconception is that lung cancer only affects smokers. In fact, 15% of lung cancer cases occur in individuals who have never smoked. Other risk factors include passive smoking, air pollution, and exposure to radon, asbestos, and harmful chemicals. Rare forms of lung cancer caused by genetic mutations primarily affect non-smokers.

Vaping? Don't start

The popularity of e-cigarettes has risen sharply in recent years. Despite perceptions that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, its long-term health effects remain unknown.  

“We don’t yet know the health consequences of vaping 20 or 30 years down the line,” warns Prof. Dr. Berghmans. “I therefore advise young people against starting to vape. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that vaping is an effective smoking cessation method. Vapers also risk developing a dependence on nicotine.”