Optimised Lung Cancer Screening to Prevent Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases Coupled With Primary Prevention

Optimised Lung Cancer Screening to Prevent Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases Coupled With Primary Prevention

This project aims to implement a health prevention program for smokers or former smokers including early detection of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The clinical activity is completed by a pre-clinical evaluation of molecular bio-markers of early diagnosis of these diseases, with the aim of strengthening the sensitivity and specificity of the screening program.

The project also includes a cost-effectiveness assessment to validate the feasibility of the program.

Since lung cancer, CVD and COPD are among the deadliest smoking-related pathologies, the program includes actions aimed at raising awareness among primary care physicians, increasing the smoking cessation rate of participating subjects to improve quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 55 years old and exposure to smoking more than 30 packs-year; which corresponds to 6-year risk of lung cancer, calculated according to the plco score (≥ 2%).
• Smoker or former smoker Former smokers must have ceased smoking within the 15 years prior to enrollment in the study.
• Absence of symptoms of lung cancer such as worsening of cough, hoarseness, hemoptysis and weight loss.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous diagnosis of lung cancer.
• Positive extrapulmonary cancer history in the last 5 years (excluding in situ tumors or skin epidermoid tumor).
• Performing a chest CT scan in the last 18 months.
• Severe lung or extrapulmonary diseases that may preclude or invalidate appropriate therapy in case of diagnosis of malignant pulmonary neoplasia.