2024-11-02 06:00:00
A pilot program must be set up in 2025 to assess the feasibility of CT screening of smokers and former smokers, before possible generalization within 5 or 10 years. Why such a delay?
After breast, colorectal and cervical cancers, will we see the emergence of organized lung cancer screening in France? Scientifically, the benefit is no longer in doubt: it makes it possible to reduce the mortality of this particularly tricky cancer, often diagnosed at a stage too late to hope for a cure. So for more than ten years we have been talking about offering it to all people at risk. And yet, it is still not in place. For what ?
Cancer diagnosed very late
Lung cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in France (nearly 53,000 new cases per year), but also the deadliest of all (30,400 deaths). It is a cancer with a poor prognosis: the 5-year survival rate is barely 20%, despite major progress in recent years. A figure that could drastically change if we detected it earlier: « Patients whose cancer is diagnosed at a very localized stage…
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#Lung #cancer #screening #France #delaying
**Interview with Dr. Elise Martin, Lung Cancer Screening Specialist**
*Date: November 2, 2024*
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Martin. Thank you for joining us to discuss the exciting developments regarding lung cancer screening in Europe, particularly the new EU4Health initiative.
**Dr. Martin:** Good morning! Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** The recent report suggests that a pilot program is set to launch in 2025 to evaluate the feasibility of CT screening for smokers and former smokers. Can you explain why there’s such a significant delay before we can see broader implementation?
**Dr. Martin:** Absolutely. While the urgency of addressing lung cancer is clear, establishing a screening program involves several critical steps. Firstly, we need to collect comprehensive data to ensure that the screening methods are effective and lead to better health outcomes. The pilot program will help us understand the practical aspects of lung cancer screening, including patient responses and logistics in various healthcare settings.
**Editor:** So, this pilot program is vital for gathering evidence. Will the findings from this program influence screening protocols across Europe?
**Dr. Martin:** Yes, definitely. The pilot will provide valuable insights that could lead to standardized protocols across different countries. It will also help us identify potential barriers and tailor our approach to diverse populations. Successful implementation in France could serve as a model for other European nations.
**Editor:** After the established screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers, do you think lung cancer screening will gain similar traction in France?
**Dr. Martin:** There’s great potential for lung cancer screening to become routine. The rising awareness and support from initiatives like the EU4Health project are promising. However, educating both healthcare providers and the public about the importance of early detection will be key to successful implementation.
**Editor:** What do you see as the biggest challenge ahead for lung cancer screening initiatives?
**Dr. Martin:** One major challenge will be ensuring equitable access to screening services. We need to make sure that individuals at high risk, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to participate in screening programs. Additionally, overcoming any stigma associated with smoking will be essential in encouraging individuals to seek screening.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Martin, for your insights. It sounds like a lot of careful planning and community engagement will be necessary to make lung cancer screening a regular part of healthcare in Europe.
**Dr. Martin:** Exactly! Thank you for highlighting this important issue. I look forward to the progress we can make together in the fight against lung cancer.
**Editor:** We appreciate your time today and look forward to seeing advancements in lung cancer screening in the near future.
