FairLife L.C.C.’s Top Informational Event “Lung Health”
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – Prefecture of Alexandroupolis
Athens, 10.10.2024
Lung health is a necessity, not a luxury, with prevention and new therapeutic advances as key tools Psychosocial support for patients and caregivers serves as an antidote to the emotional storm following a lung cancer diagnosis.
The “Lung Health” informative event, organized by FairLife Lung Cancer Care and Prevention, took place successfully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 18:00 to 20:30 in the “Alexandros Kritis” Hall at the Prefecture of Alexandroupoli. The event was held in collaboration with the Pulmonology Clinic of the Democritus University of Thrace, featuring 21 speakers and focusing on lung health preservation, prevention, therapeutic advances in lung cancer, and the impact of climate change and outdoor physical activity on both physical and mental health.
Over 650 people attended the event in person and online. This event in Alexandroupoli marked the 3rd stop of FairLife L.C.C.’s 2024 “Lung Health” initiative, following successful events in Thessaloniki and Larissa. The initiative aims to inform and raise public awareness about lung cancer prevention and promote early diagnosis through screening.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Paschalis Steriopoulos, Professor of Pulmonology and Director of the Pulmonology Clinic at Democritus University of Thrace.
Dr. Paschalis Steriopoulos emphasized: “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Today, at FairLife’s informative event in Alexandroupoli, we gathered to analyze the latest data on prevention, multidisciplinary treatment approaches, and the proper management of the psychological burden for patients and their caregivers.”
The speakers represented the scientific, academic, and educational communities, as well as the Church, local government, and patient groups which addressed significant issues such as lung cancer screening, new treatment options, and holistic disease management. Special emphasis was placed on the psychological support of patients, physical well-being, and proper nutrition, while personal stories from lung cancer survivors added valuable insights to the discussion.
Additionally, it was announced that a total of 80 free screening tests using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) were offered in collaboration with Demokritos Diagnostic Laboratory, Private Radiological Diagnostic Laboratory Iatriki S.A and EUROMEDICA Private Diagnostic Laboratory Alexandroupolis S.A.
At the event’s opening, Mrs. Korina Pateli-Bell, President of FairLife L.C.C., emphasized: “FairLife is committed to continuing its actions for lung cancer prevention and awareness, while also supporting patients and their families. It is crucial to enhance prevention and early diagnosis and to ensure that all patients have access to quality healthcare and the most innovative treatments. Information is
power, and through events like this, we aim to make that power accessible to everyone.”
The event was also welcomed by His Eminence Anthimos, Metropolitan of Alexandroupoli, Mrs.
Korina Pateli-Bell, President of FairLife L.C., Mr. Michail Pittiakoudis, President of the Regional
Council of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Ioannis Zampoukis, Mayor of Alexandroupoli, Mr.
Theodoros Konstantinidis, Dean of the Health Sciences School at Democritus University of Thrace,
Dr. Konstantinos Vadikollias, President of the Department of Medicine at Democritus University of
Thrace, Mr. Nikolaos Polizos, President of the Department of Nursing at Democritus University of
Thrace, Mr. Christos Chatzipapas, President of the Evros Medical Association, Mrs. Evi Orfanou,
President of the Cancer and Rare Disease Association of Evros, and Mrs. Christina Palaiologou,
President of the Cancer and Friends Association of Evros “Synexizo.”
Representatives from the Church of Greece, local government, and the scientific and academic
communities acknowledged the often neglected obligation to safeguard health, with prevention as
the main tool. They also thanked and congratulated FairLife L.C.C. for raising awareness in society
through the national “Lung Health” initiative, which is crucial for lifelong education on lung health.
SECTION A
Section A was chaired by Dr. Stavros Anevlavis, Associate Professor of Pulmonology, Democritus
University of Thrace, Department of Medicine, and Dr. Dimitris Matthaios, Associate Professor of
Oncology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace. The chairmen introduced and
commented on the speakers in Section A, emphasizing the importance of lung cancer screening and
sharing the hopeful message of advanced treatments for those already diagnosed.
Dr. Konstantina Chadia, Pulmonologist at the University Pulmonology Clinic of Alexandroupoli
University Hospital, spoke about lung cancer screening aimed at the early detection of asymptomatic
lesions in high-risk individuals, such as smokers or former smokers, through low-dose computed
tomography. This is a painless and accurate test that can detect lesions at an early stage, increasing
survival rates and treatment options for patients.
Dr. Eirini Biziota, Oncologist at the University Oncology Clinic of Alexandroupoli University Hospital,
discussed the epidemiology of lung cancer and new treatment strategies, highlighting the benefits of
personalized therapy using molecular markers and targeted treatments to improve patient survival.
Dr. Christos Christidis, Thoracic Surgeon at the University Thoracic Surgery Clinic of Alexandroupoli
University Hospital, spoke about the high rates of lung cancer, the contribution of thoracic surgery in
its treatment, and the types of surgical interventions, analyzing the role of surgery at multiple levels,
including as palliative care.
Section A concluded with a personal testimony from Mr. Petros Tzekos, a lung cancer survivor, who
added an emotional tone to the evening and emphasized the importance of a trusting relationship
between doctor and patient for optimal treatment outcomes.
SECTION B
Dr. Paschalis Steiropoulos, Professor of Pulmonology and Director of the Pulmonology Clinic at
Democritus University of Thrace, and Dr. Aikaterini Arvaniti, Associate Professor of Psychiatry,
Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, chaired Section B of the informative event.
The chairpersons introduced and commented on the speakers in Section B, addressing the
protection of lung health, which is influenced by both personal choices and external factors such as
climate change. They also highlighted the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing lung
cancer patients.
Mrs. Kiki Tsakaldimi, FairLife L.C.C. Ambassador and Board Member of FairLife L.C.C., spoke about
the multiple benefits of outdoor exercise for physical and mental health, encouraging the public and,
of course, patients to incorporate light physical activity into their daily lives and reconsider their
connection with the natural environment, which serves as a means of well-being and pain relief.
Dr. Evangelia Nena, Associate Professor at Democritus University of Thrace, Social Medicine
Laboratory, discussed the connection between climate change and human health, noting that rising
temperatures and extreme weather events increase the incidence of various diseases and alter
ecosystems, affecting the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, air pollution can increase the
risk of cancer.
Section B concluded with a speech by Mrs. Valentini Bochtsou, Psychologist MSc PhDc, specializing
in “Clinical Psychosocial Oncology,” who spoke about the challenges of daily life and role changes
following a lung cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the benefits of psychosocial support and ways to
adapt to the new reality. Mrs. Bochou described the “parallel battle” faced by doctors and mental
health professionals as they manage a lung cancer patient’s journey through the disease.
The event was held under the auspices of: Metropolitan of Alexandroupoli, Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Municipality of Alexandroupoli, Democritus University of Thrace, Evros Medical Association, Hellenic Thoracic
Society, Hellenic Society of Oncologists, Hellenic Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Hellenic Cancer
Federation (ELLOK).
With the kind support of: Major Sponsors: MSD & Roche Hellas Sponsor: AstraZeneca, Supporters: BMS, GSK, ISTODIEREVNITIKI S.A., KARYO, Clinic “ AGIOS LOUKAS”
FairLife – Lung Cancer Care and Prevention
FairLife Lung Cancer Care and Prevention is the first and only nonprofit organization in Greece
exclusively dedicated to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our country and
worldwide.
The organization’s mission is to inform and raise awareness about lung cancer prevention and
provide holistic support to patients and their families throughout their journey with the disease.
To support our mission, we :
- We provide information on prevention, early diagnosis, and screening to reduce mortality.
- We raise awareness about the importance of comprehensive molecular testing.
- We offer psychosocial support to patients, caregivers, and family members.
- We encourage and educate patients, organizations, and the general public about the value of
clinical trials and access to new innovative treatments. - We work to combat the stigma associated with smoking.
- We engage the new generation and the public on the positive impact of a clean environment on lung
health. To this end, we promote environmental awareness, sustainability actions, and practices in the
context of combating climate change.
FairLife – Care and Prevention for Lung Cancer was founded in memory of Simon Bell, 57, who lost his battle with lung cancer in August 2020.
FairLife L.C.C. Communications Contact:
Napoleonos 18, 16675, Glyfada
Tel: 213 0165784
Information Line – FairLine 111 57
Email: info@fairlifelcc.com
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