Lung cancer screenings remain unacknowledged among the Portuguese population
In a significant step towards early cancer detection, the pilot projects for lung cancer screening will commence in the Lisbon and North regions of Portugal. These initiatives are aimed at identifying and providing screening services to high-risk groups, primarily smokers and former smokers.
To be eligible for the screening, individuals must meet certain criteria. These include being aged between 50 and 80 years old, having a history of current smoking or quitting within the last 15 years, and having a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. A pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year.
These eligibility criteria align with general lung cancer screening guidelines using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which aim to reduce lung cancer mortality by targeting high-risk populations such as heavy smokers and recent quitters.
While Portugal currently lacks a comprehensive national lung cancer screening program, experts emphasise the importance of establishing such a program to improve early detection and treatment outcomes, particularly in high-risk groups like smokers and former smokers. Regional initiatives and eligibility checklists, such as those promoted by European respiratory and cancer organisations, are being developed to support these early screening efforts.
It is worth noting that lung cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed neoplasm (cancer) worldwide. However, with the implementation of these new screening initiatives, there is hope for improved outcomes and a reduction in the number of lives lost to this devastating disease.
For smokers and former smokers in the Lisbon and North regions, eligibility for lung cancer screening primarily depends on age, recent smoking status, and cumulative smoking exposure measured in pack-years. If you meet these criteria, consider taking advantage of this opportunity to safeguard your health.
Engaging in regular health check-ups, particularly those focused on social science-backed medical practices, is essential for early detection and management of medical-conditions such as cancer. Given the new initiatives for lung cancer screening in Portugal, individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for age, smoking history, and exposure, can take a significant step towards improving their health-and-wellness by participating in these screenings.
