CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Integrating lung cancer screening in a smoking cessation clinic
1
Unit of Pulmonology and Respiratory Failure, First Intensive Care Clinic, Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
2
Department of Radiology, “Evangelismos” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A116
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The implementation of early-detection programs using low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer–related mortality. However, participation among eligible smokers in countries where such programs have been introduced remains low. We aimed to investigate the acceptance of participation in a lung cancer early diagnosis program delivered through a smoking cessation clinic and to examine the outcomes of this approach.
METHODS:
Within the operation of the Smoking-Cessation Clinic of the Pulmonology and Respiratory Failure Unit of the First Department of Critical Care, “Evaggelismos” General Hospital, patients were strongly advised to undergo chest LDCT and full lung function testing. The benefits were explained, and LDCT was performed at our hospital using a standardized protocol on a Toshiba Aquilion 80-slice CT scanner (120 kV, 45–47 mA). The protocol was reviewed by the MIT.
RESULTS:
A total of 120 smokers were included in the study and all of them consented to participate. The median age was 54 years, and 44.2% were male. Based on spirometry, 25.8% had COPD, 12.9% had asthma, 25.6% arterial hypertension, 18.7% cardiovascular disease, 19.7% depression, and 17.3% an anxiety disorder. The median Fagerström depend score was 6 (IQR 3.15), with 51% scoring above 6. LDCT revealed emphysema in 53.2% of the participants. In three patients, highly suspicious findings were detected (two nodules and one mass) and malignancy was confirmed by biopsy (adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).
CONCLUSIONS:
Certified smoking cessation clinics provide specialized support (counseling and pharmacotherapy) aiming at smoking cessation and relapse prevention. They constitute an excellent opportunity to reduce mortality through the implementation of lung cancer early detection programs, which in turn serve as “teachable moments” that strengthen motivation for smoking cessation. Integrating lung cancer screening programs into the operation of smoking cessation clinics may increase smokers’ participation. Product toxicology, measuring harmful constituents in emissions and
Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The implementation of early-detection programs using low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer–related mortality. However, participation among eligible smokers in countries where such programs have been introduced remains low. We aimed to investigate the acceptance of participation in a lung cancer early diagnosis program delivered through a smoking cessation clinic and to examine the outcomes of this approach.
METHODS:
Within the operation of the Smoking-Cessation Clinic of the Pulmonology and Respiratory Failure Unit of the First Department of Critical Care, “Evaggelismos” General Hospital, patients were strongly advised to undergo chest LDCT and full lung function testing. The benefits were explained, and LDCT was performed at our hospital using a standardized protocol on a Toshiba Aquilion 80-slice CT scanner (120 kV, 45–47 mA). The protocol was reviewed by the MIT.
RESULTS:
A total of 120 smokers were included in the study and all of them consented to participate. The median age was 54 years, and 44.2% were male. Based on spirometry, 25.8% had COPD, 12.9% had asthma, 25.6% arterial hypertension, 18.7% cardiovascular disease, 19.7% depression, and 17.3% an anxiety disorder. The median Fagerström depend score was 6 (IQR 3.15), with 51% scoring above 6. LDCT revealed emphysema in 53.2% of the participants. In three patients, highly suspicious findings were detected (two nodules and one mass) and malignancy was confirmed by biopsy (adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).
CONCLUSIONS:
Certified smoking cessation clinics provide specialized support (counseling and pharmacotherapy) aiming at smoking cessation and relapse prevention. They constitute an excellent opportunity to reduce mortality through the implementation of lung cancer early detection programs, which in turn serve as “teachable moments” that strengthen motivation for smoking cessation. Integrating lung cancer screening programs into the operation of smoking cessation clinics may increase smokers’ participation. Product toxicology, measuring harmful constituents in emissions and
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
