Lung cancer screening in Lebanon: Joint statement from the Lebanese Pulmonary Society and the Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology

Aoun-Bacha,Zeina; Bitar,Nizar; El Karak,Fadi; Juvelekian,Georges; Nasr,Fadi; Nehme,Ralph; Tfayli,Arafat; Zeineddine,Salah

doi:10.3892/wasj.2023.186

January-February 2023 Volume 5 Issue 1

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January-February 2023 Volume 5 Issue 1

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Opinion Open Access

Lung cancer screening in Lebanon: Joint statement from the Lebanese Pulmonary Society and the Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology

Authors:
- Zeina Aoun-Bacha
- Nizar Bitar
- Fadi El Karak
- Georges Juvelekian
- Fadi Nasr
- Ralph Nehme
- Arafat Tfayli
- Salah Zeineddine
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Affiliations: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, University Medical Center, Saint Joseph University, 166830 Beirut, Lebanon, Sahel General Hospital, Lebanese University, 2828 Beirut, Lebanon, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, University Medical Center, Saint Joseph University, 166830 Beirut, Lebanon, Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Balamand University, Saint Georges Hospital, University Medical Center, 11002807 Beirut, Lebanon, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Lebanese American University Medical Center, 11‑3288 Beirut, Lebanon, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, 1107 2020 Beirut, Lebanon

Copyright: © Aoun-Bacha et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
Article Number: 9
|
Published online on: January 4, 2023

https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2023.186
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Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The 5‑year survival rate of patients is ~15%, since the majority of patients present with the disease at an advanced stage. The resulting burden from this disease entails solid efforts towards early detection and smoking cessation. In Lebanon, the triad of high incidence and mortality from lung cancer, extensive tobacco consumption and delayed diagnosis calls for urgent actions. Furthermore, lung cancer screening with a low‑dose computed tomography (CT) scan allows for the early detection and reduces mortality rates, as documented in several randomized trials and meta‑analyses and recommended by international relevant societies. A panel of Lebanese lung cancer experts, members of the Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology and the Lebanese Pulmonary Society, have convened and discussed all aspects and challenges related to lung cancer screening implementation in Lebanon. Accordingly, national guidelines were proposed in this joint statement, which defines the particular high‑risk population that would most benefit from screening. Pillars to success involve a solid, evidence‑based national program, efficient smoking cessation programs and proper referral and follow‑up. In parallel, the quality and logistical basic requirements must be optimized with well‑equipped centers, trained personnel and expert radiologists; in addition to promoting awareness, adherence and sustainability. Physicians need to be trained to ensure accurate risk stratification for the screening and proper referrals from different specialties. Awareness should also be raised in the general population on the safety and benefits of low‑dose CT, and to encourage smoking cessation via dedicated programs. In a country where the economic situation is challenging, and where third‑party payers are resistant to cover screening initiatives, support from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health is warranted, along with a cost‑effectiveness analysis to uncover the elevated cost of treating advanced stage lung cancer.

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