Lung cancer screening programmes have the potential to reduce deaths by 20%, according to Charis Armeftis, president of the Cyprus Pneumonology Society. This assertion comes as medical experts advocate for a national screening initiative in Cyprus aimed at high-risk individuals.
- "With early examination for lung cancer, the benefits are multiple, first for patients and then for the country’s health system," he added, highlighting the broader implications of early diagnosis.
Armeftis emphasised that early detection is key to making lung cancer curable, stating, “Lung cancer can become curable provided it is detected before symptoms appear.” The suggested method for screening is low-dose computed tomography (CT) scanning, which can also identify other serious medical conditions.
“With early examination for lung cancer, the benefits are multiple, first for patients and then for the country’s health system,” he added, highlighting the broader implications of early diagnosis.
The Cyprus Pneumonology Society, in collaboration with the Radiology Society, is pushing for the implementation of this programme through the Health Ministry. They are drawing on international evidence that shows similar initiatives have been effective in other countries, with studies published in reputable scientific journals indicating that such screenings can lead to a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality rates.
Armeftis explained, “A 20% reduction in deaths, if translated into human lives, certainly makes the picture clearer.” In Cyprus, the statistics are concerning, with a reported 130 lung cancer cases per 100,000 people. The death rate from lung cancer surpasses the combined total of deaths from colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, making the urgent need for intervention evident.
Factors contributing to this high rate include Cyprus’s elevated smoking levels and increasing air pollution. The proposed screening would primarily target long-term smokers and former smokers who have quit within the last 15 years, offering annual low-dose CT scans starting at age 50.
Armeftis pointed out the importance of discussing low-dose CT scanning, stating, “It is important to discuss low-dose CT scanning because we are talking about a repeated examination. Therefore, we cannot expose citizens to high radiation.” If the Health Ministry approves this recommendation, it will be crucial to ensure that the equipment used is not only appropriate and certified but also safe for patients.
The societies involved are maintaining ongoing communication with relevant patient associations and the Cyprus Patients’ Associations Federation, planning meetings to advance their proposal. “Our message is and should be interpreted as optimistic. Detecting lung cancer before symptoms appear makes it curable,” Armeftis concluded, reinforcing the need for action.
