Franco Baresi, former Milan captain, has died at 66 after a year-long fight with a lung condition. His illness, first revealed in August 2025, led to surgery and immunotherapy. The case highlights the challenges of lung cancer treatment in Italy.
Franco Baresi, the iconic former captain of Milan, died on July 31 at the age of 66 following a prolonged struggle with a serious lung illness. The football legend's health issues became public less than a year ago, when Milan announced the removal of a pulmonary nodule after routine medical checks. The club's statement in August 2025 described a minimally invasive surgical procedure, followed by a smooth recovery and a recommendation for immunotherapy as a consolidation treatment.
Although the official communication avoided explicitly mentioning cancer, the outlined medical approach closely mirrors standard protocols for lung carcinoma. Immunotherapy, now a cornerstone in the management of various lung cancers, is often prescribed either alone or in combination with other therapies. According to Massimo Di Maio, president of the Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica (Aiom), immunotherapy was initially reserved for advanced or metastatic cases but is now also used after chemotherapy and radiotherapy in locally advanced, inoperable disease, as well as before or after surgery in early-stage patients to reduce recurrence risk and improve survival chances.
The prognosis for lung cancer remains challenging, largely due to late diagnosis. Over 70% of patients in Italy are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced, limiting the potential for curative treatment. Early symptoms are often vague—persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, or frequent respiratory infections—making early detection difficult. Only about 30% of cases are operable at diagnosis, and the five-year survival rate hovers around 18%.
Each year, nearly 45,000 new cases of lung cancer are identified in Italy, making it the third most common cancer after breast and colorectal, but the leading cause of cancer-related death. While smoking remains the primary risk factor, one in five cases occurs in non-smokers. The disease is particularly insidious because it often remains asymptomatic until it has reached an advanced or metastatic stage. This late presentation complicates treatment and reduces the likelihood of recovery.
Recent advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved outcomes for some patients, extending survival and, in certain cases, offering the possibility of long-term remission. However, the aggressiveness of the disease and the diversity of its subtypes continue to pose significant challenges. As highlighted by Di Maio, the stage at which the cancer is discovered is critical for prognosis.
Screening remains a key tool in improving early detection. The spiral CT scan (low-dose chest computed tomography) has proven effective in identifying early-stage lung cancer, especially among high-risk groups such as current or former heavy smokers. Italian oncologists have long advocated for the implementation of annual screening programs for these populations, as 85% of lung cancer cases are linked to tobacco use. Research consistently shows that such screening can save lives and reduce healthcare costs by enabling earlier, more effective interventions.
The death of Franco Baresi comes shortly after the passing of another prominent figure, Manolo Solo, who also succumbed to cancer, as reported in coverage of his final days. These cases underscore the ongoing impact of cancer on public figures and the broader population, reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and access to advanced treatments.
Lung cancer remains a major health concern in Italy and across Europe. The disease's high mortality rate is driven by late detection and the complexity of treatment. Continued progress in screening, public awareness, and therapeutic innovation will be essential to improving outcomes for future patients.
