Around 4900 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in Switzerland every year. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Symptoms of the disease often appear late, meaning that the chances of recovery are low.
With low-dose computed tomography (low dose CT), we have a gentle, low-radiation examination procedure that is highly informative with regard to lung diseases. The radiation exposure is deliberately kept low so that this examination is very suitable for early detection.
Lung cancer begins at the cellular level, often in the mucosal cells of the bronchi or alveoli. These cells undergo genetic mutations that disrupt their normal growth and function. These mutations can be caused by carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, asbestos, radon or air pollution.