Spain's Lung Cancer Crisis: Doctors Demand National Screening

Spain's Lung Cancer Crisis: Experts Urge for National Screening Program In Spain, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. A recent video interview with leading oncologists highlights the urgent need for a national screening program to improve early detection and survival rates. The stark reality is that most cases are detected at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited. "Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and this is also true in Spain," explains Dr. Pilar Garrido, Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Hospital Ramón y Cajal in Madrid. "The lack of widespread screening means that patients are often diagnosed in advanced stages, where we can't cure them." The video emphasizes that early detection can dramatically increase survival rates, potentially up to 80%. Dr. María Dolores Lozano, Co-director of the Anatomical Pathology Department at Clínica Universidad de Navarra, adds, "A significant percentage of patients arrive at the hospital in advanced, metastatic stages, making surgery impossible." The Lung Ambition Alliance, a coalition of organizations including AstraZeneca and Guardant Health, is working to raise awareness and advocate for change. Their goal is to unite various medical fields to make lung cancer screening a reality in Spain. This initiative underscores the critical need for preventative measures and early intervention in the fight against lung cancer. The hope is that a national screening program will save lives and improve the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.