Despite advances in treatment, survival rates for lung cancer remain alarmingly low because most cases are diagnosed too late, after symptoms appear, and when treatment options are limited. Evidence, including a mixed methods study from Greece, shows major delays in symptom recognition and diagnostic pathways, underscoring the need for organised early detection strategies such as lung cancer screening.
Early detection through lung cancer screening an urgent and essential priority.
Screening is the most effective way to detect lung cancer early to give people the best chance of successful treatment, with the added benefit of reducing medical costs. It is a tool we already have but its implementation remains inconsistent and fragmented across Europe.
Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates must work together to promote, support, and scale lung cancer screening programs to ensure they reach those who need them most.