The collective “Together We Breathe,” along with Professor Paul Hofman (CHU Nice), is mobilizing for individual lung cancer screening. Using a low-dose CT scan, the goal is to raise awareness among at-risk individuals.
On the occasion of Pearl November, a month dedicated to raising awareness about lung cancer, Professor Paul Hofman, an expert in pulmonary diseases at CHU Nice and an active member of the “Together We Breathe” collective, is advocating for individual lung cancer screening. This collective, created and supported by AstraZeneca, brings together doctors and associations committed to raising awareness about this deadly disease.
In France, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Each year, it accounts for approximately 31,000 deaths. Often diagnosed too late, it has a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Hence the importance of detecting the disease at an early stage, particularly through low-dose CT scans.
Professor Hofman emphasizes the need to establish nationwide screening for at-risk populations. Currently, this screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74 with a heavy history of active or recent smoking. This scanner, which is low-radiation and non-invasive, helps detect early lesions. This facilitates quick management and potentially curative treatments.
A Significant Breakthrough
The first steps towards a national program have been taken. A call for applications was launched in July by the National Cancer Institute (INCa). This pilot program aims to evaluate the best conditions for deploying an organized screening. It is inspired by initiatives already in place in other European countries.
Pending the results of this program, experts from the collective encourage healthcare professionals, especially general practitioners and pharmacists, to offer a targeted screening to patients meeting the risk criteria. They also highlight the importance of paying attention to certain suggestive symptoms. For example, a persistent cough, blood-stained sputum, unexplained fatigue, or recurrent lung infections.
The collective “Together We Breathe” brings together oncologists, radiologists, pulmonologists, and patient associations with one goal. An earlier diagnosis of lung cancer will lead to a significant reduction in its mortality. Professor Hofman emphasizes: “By mobilizing today for individual screening, we hope to save lives and give patients a better chance.”
For more information, visit the collective’s website: https://ensemblenouspoumons.astrazeneca.fr.