Discussions regarding early lung cancer screening programs in Lithuania have been ongoing for several years but have yet to result in effective measures. The director of the Association for Supporting Cancer Patients (POLA), Neringa Čiakienė, explains that there are around 200 types of cancer, and not all can benefit from preventive programs due to their rarity and lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Currently, Lithuania has four oncology prevention programs, yet the European conversation continues regarding early screening for lung, stomach, and oral cancers.

A pilot program for early lung cancer diagnostics was conducted in Lithuania, with an impressive participation rate of 76% among invited residents, according to Professor Edvardas Danila, head of the Pulmonology and Allergy Center at Santara Clinics. The pilot discovered one case of lung cancer, while 14 participants were identified for monitoring due to the detection of suspicious lesions. Notably, eight of these individuals were non-smokers, challenging common perceptions of lung cancer risk factors. This early detection initiative underscores the potential benefits of screening in identifying cancer cases, even among populations typically considered at lower risk.

As the conversation continues within Lithuania and across Europe, the importance of dialogue and evidence-based programs becomes clear, especially in the face of various cancer types that present differently. The hope is that more rigorous frameworks can be established to enhance early detection and support healthier outcomes for those at risk, regardless of the type of cancer involved.