Greece Records Around 10,000 New Lung Cancer Cases Each Year

Stay connected to Greek City Times for Free on Google News
Click NOW

Greece records around 10,000 new lung cancer cases each year, according to Health Ministry data, while international studies indicate that early diagnosis can reduce lung cancer mortality by between 20% and 25%.

The global burden of lung cancer also remains high, with hundreds of thousands of people dying from the disease every year.

Sofia Lambaki, Assistant Professor of Pulmonology and coordinator of lung cancer clinical trials at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) Pulmonology Clinic at Papageorgiou Hospital, said the number of new cases appears to be increasing.

“Worldwide, the number of people who have become ill and died from lung cancer over the past five years has increased significantly,” Lambaki said.

She noted that the latest Health Ministry figures record approximately 10,000 new cases annually in Greece.

“From our experience at the University Pulmonology Clinic at Papageorgiou Hospital, it appears that this number increases by 20% to 30% every year,” she said.

The clinic has recorded an increase in new cases compared with the previous two years, particularly among patients with metastatic lung cancer, according to Lambaki.

Low-dose CT scans remain key to early detection

Lambaki said low-dose computed tomography (CT) remains the main tool used in lung cancer screening.

Large international studies have demonstrated significant benefits from screening, including detecting the disease at early, potentially curable stages and reducing mortality.

The AUTH Pulmonology Clinic at Papageorgiou Hospital has operated an organised lung cancer screening clinic since 2017.

Around 3,800 current and former smokers have undergone screening there to date, with approximately 3% receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.

Overall, screening has detected early-stage lung cancer in around 115 people.

The programme has also identified other previously undiagnosed health conditions. According to Lambaki, around 45% of participants received diagnoses for additional conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung diseases and cardiovascular conditions.

International studies cited by Lambaki indicate that early detection can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20% to 25%.

Researchers investigate biomarkers and artificial intelligence

International research increasingly focuses on more personalised lung cancer screening, combining low-dose CT scans with biomarkers and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

The AUTH Pulmonology Clinic participates in international research programmes investigating potential new biomarkers through blood, plasma and serum samples.

The clinic also participates in an AI programme in cooperation with the “Sotiria” Hospital in Athens and the University Hospital of Heraklion.

Lambaki explained that AI systems analyse radiological findings alongside information provided by clinicians.

Researchers aim to identify patterns that might not otherwise raise suspicion of lung cancer but could indicate an increased future risk of developing the disease.

The clinic has also worked with FairLife, a non-profit organisation supporting people with lung cancer, on a multicentre screening initiative involving university pulmonology clinics in Larissa, Alexandroupoli and Patras.

The initiative aims to develop Greek experience with organised lung cancer screening while contributing to international research into new biomarkers.

Personalised treatments target individual patients

Doctors are also increasingly using personalised treatments for lung cancer, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies based on molecular testing.

Lambaki said all patients undergo molecular testing and that the programmes aim to provide these services free of charge.

The goal, she explained, is to identify the treatment most appropriate and potentially most effective for each individual patient.

Doctors seek greater participation from women

Lambaki also called for greater participation by women in lung cancer screening programmes, noting that women remain underrepresented compared with men.

She said women aged over 50 who currently smoke or previously smoked and stopped within the past 15 years should receive information about lung cancer screening using low-dose CT without contrast.

Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.