Αthens – 5th Event on “Healthy Lungs” Initiative of FairLife L.C.C.
Information Event – Wednesday 17th September 2025
Central Building, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Athens, 24th September 2025
Lung cancer is not simply statistics – Prevention, early detection, training, innovation can alter the Greek reality in Health – The holistic care of those who develop the disease is the core of medicine and nursing.
The information event “Healthy Lungs” was successfully held by FairLife Lung Cancer Care , on Wednesday 17th September 2025, 17:30 – 21:00 at the Central Building of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (“Ioannis Drakopoulos” Amphiteather), in collaboration with the Hellenic Thoracic Society.
The prevention, diagnosis, treatment and holistic care of lung cancer patients were main topics of the event. The role of screening in the diagnosis of the disease, the latest treatment developments, the contribution of the thoracic surgeon to the treatment of lung cancer and the importance of smoking cessation were discussed. Clinical studies in Greece, the importance of stereotactic radiosurgery in early-stage lung cancer, as well as the role of nurses in cancer care were presented. Finally, through the lived experience of a patient, the needs and strength that emerge through the disease were highlighted. Preliminary results from the free low dose computed tomography screenings (LDCTs) conducted nationwide from FairLife L.C.C. were also presented.
More specifically, the average age of those who submitted a request to participate is 58. It is particularly encouraging that women are responding with increasing interest regarding their health.
Of the total of 417 screenings that have been carried out to date:
- 7 cancer cases were diagnosed, and all patients have already undergone surgery.
- 17 persons were referred for further investigation.
- 145 persons developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 90 cases are related to cardiovascular diseases.
- 35 persons were diagnosed with interstitial lung diseases.
- 26 persons screened had emphysema.
- 49 others had other pathologies which require follow-up.
Overall, 82% of the participants developed some kind of health issue, which highlights the value of early diagnosis and prevention through this program.
30 speakers – representatives of the State, the Church, the Local Government, the scientific and academic community and representatives of patients participated in the event.
The journalist Ms. Natassa Spagadorou supervised the presentation of the event.
Over 2200 persons, in-person and online, attended the event held in Athens, the 5th Information Event of the “Healthy Lungs” initiative of FairLife L.C.C., following the successful events in Thessaloniki, Larisa and Patras. The aim of this initiative is the information and awareness of the public regarding lung cancer prevention, as well as promotion of screening for the early diagnosis of the disease.
It was also announced that 300 free screenings for lung cancer with Low Dose CT will be offered to the public in the span of one year, as part of the collaboration of FairLife LC.C. with the 6th Pulmonary Clinic and the Radiology Department of the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens “Sotiria”.
The event was also welcomed by Mr. Stylianos Loukidis, Pneumonologist, Professor at the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), President of HTS, Ms. Korina Pateli-Bell, President of FairLife Lung Cancer Care, Reverend Protopresbyter Mr. Constantine Stoumbos, Representative of His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece, Mr. Marios Themistocleous, Deputy Minister of Health, Ms. Christina-Maria Kravari, Secretary General of Public Health, Mr. Thanos Askitis, Deputy Regional Governor of Health, Region of Attica, Ms. Despoina Limniotaki, Deputy Municipal Councilor for Public Health & Municipal Clinics – Municipality of Athens, Mr. Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, President of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Mr. George Kapetanakis, President of the Hellenic Cancer Federation – ELLOK.
Welcoming the audience in Athens, Ms. Korina Pateli-Bell, President of FairLife L.C.C., spoke about the organization’s work and “Healthy Lungs” initiative. She emphasized the need for national lung cancer screening programs and referred to the 5 principles outlined in the Consensus Statement on Lung Cancer: prevention, early diagnosis, access to innovative treatments, collaboration, and combating stigma. Presenting the initial results of free low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, Mrs. Patelli-Bell noted: “This data shows that screening saves lives, but also the great risk that remains invisible until screening is performed.”
Mr. Stylianos Loukidis, Pneumonologist, Professor at the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, President of the Hellenic Thoracic Society, emphasized the important collaboration between the Hellenic Thoracic Society and FairLife L.C.C. in lung cancer prevention and early diagnosis actions throughout Greece. He stressed that the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to lack of screening and highlighted the importance of organized low-dose CT scan programs, which enable the early diagnosis of cancer and other lung diseases, reducing mortality. He emphasized that the institutional implementation and evaluation of these programs is essential to integrate them properly into primary care and maximize the benefits for patients. In closing, he praised the collaboration with FairLife L.C.C. President Korina Pateli-Bell and highlighted the importance of continuing these actions.
Representatives of the State, the Church, the Local Government, the scientific and academic community, and the patients highlighted the value of information, scientific discussion, and awareness about lung cancer, with particular emphasis on screening for smokers over the age of 50.
The Ministry of Health’s initiatives for oncological care were presented – digital oncology file, new radiotherapy infrastructure, establishment of a state-of-the-art oncology hospital in Thessaloniki, and improved access to innovative treatments. Emphasis was placed on prevention and protecting younger generations through recent legislation on tobacco. The pilot program “Door-to-Door” in the Attica region was presented, to identify smoking habits and provide information and psychological support to the younger generation to help them avoid smoking. The importance of cooperation between healthcare professionals, scientists, and local government was emphasized, with municipal clinics and Smoking Cessation Clinics actively supporting citizens in prevention and health. The long-standing contribution of the School of Medicine of the University of Athens to research, clinical care and the commitment to supporting the preventive programs of the Ministry of Health were highlighted. The role of the National Cancer Mission Hub as the national hub of the country’s cancer mission was mentioned. Finally, the intention to immediately implement the first organized lung cancer screening program was emphasized.
SECTION A
Section A was chaired by Mr. Eleftherios Zervas, Pulmonologist, Director of the National Health System, 7th Pulmonary Clinic and Asthma Center, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens “SOTIRIA”, Mr. Kosmas Eliades, Thoracic Surgeon, Director of the Thoracic Clinic, Hygeia Hospital, President of the Hellenic Society of Thoracic, Cardiac, Vascular Surgeons and Ms. Evi Hatziandreou, Physician, Doctor of Public Health, Harvard University, Vice President of FairLife Lung Cancer Care.
The members of the Presidium addressed and commented on the speakers of Section A, emphasizing the primordial importance of the collaboration of all specialties – pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation therapists – as well as society and FairLife L.C.C. in the treatment of lung cancer. They emphasized that the speeches cover the entire spectrum from diagnosis and staging to treatment, offering important data on prevention and early detection. Additionally, they underlined the value of the results of FairLife’s screening in the major cities of Greece.
Mr. Ioannis Gkiozos, Pulmonologist, Academic Fellow of the National Cancer Institute, Oncology Unit, General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens “Sotiria”, Head of the Lung Cancer Working Group, Hellenic Thoracic Society, presented the situation in Greece regarding Lung Cancer screening, noting that Greece only has pilot programs in some centers, unlike some countries where national programs already exist. He spoke about the scientific work of Greek medical societies and patient representatives over the last four years to create guidelines (Lung Cancer Screening – PEKP) and submit them to the State, train doctors and inform society about a future National Program that will include screening, Primary Care training and referral centers, as well as support for smoking cessation.
Georgia Hardavella, MD, MSc, PhD, Pulmonologist at General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens “Sotiria”, Secretary of the Plenary Sessions of Thoracic Oncology, European Respiratory Society (ERS), Coordinator of Lung Cancer Group (HTS), Secretary General of the European Board of Accreditation in Pulmonology (EBAP), spoke about the management of solitary pulmonary nodules as incidental findings. Dr. Hardavella explained what pulmonary nodules are, their categories, and their significance for patients and caregivers, emphasizing that these findings often cause anxiety and require specialized evaluation. She stressed the value of multidisciplinary monitoring and spoke about the Pulmonary Nodule Clinic at “Sotiria” Hospital, where, from 2018 to date, 15% of participants in the screening program had nodules, with only 7% diagnosed with lung cancer and 95% of those at an early stage (stage 1), allowing for minimally invasive treatments.
Initial results of free lung cancer screening in collaboration with Fairlife L.C.C.
Thessaloniki – Ms. Sophia Lambaki, Reader in Pulmonology –Lung Cancer at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Pulmonology Clinic of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, emphasized the importance of collaboration with FairLife L.C.C. and referred to the implementation of the screening program at Papanikolaou Hospital since 2017, aim at early lung cancer diagnosis and improving patient survival and quality of life. Speaking about the initial results of the collaboration program with FairLife L.C.C. (May 2024-August 2025), Ms. Lambaki noted that several patients were diagnosed at an early stage of cancer, while a large percentage of participants were found to have previously undiagnosed chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular conditions, or lung nodules – she highlighted the added value of the program beyond cancer detection.
Larissa – Ms. Eleni Karetsi, Pulmonologist and Director of the NHS at the Pulmonology Clinic of the University of Thessaly, presented data from the free Low-Dose computer tomography (LDCT) screening conducted in Larissa, where 102 individuals underwent screening, resulting in the diagnosis of two cases of lung cancer at early and advanced stages. A significant number of participants were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other cardiopulmonary conditions. She spoke about the value of early diagnosis, which enables more effective therapeutic interventions, and highlighted the importance of referring patients to smoking cessation clinics. She concluded by stressing the need to integrate screening into routine clinical practice and the preventive tests of the National Health System.
Alexandroupolis – Ms. Konstantina Chadia, Pulmonologist at the University Pulmonology Clinic of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, presented the initial results of the screening program in Alexandroupolis where 30 smokers and former smokers underwent Low-Dose CT – 5 persons with lung nodule findings and 1 diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer at an early, operable stage. Notably, 40% of participants were diagnosed for the first time with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and immediately initiated treatment, while all were referred to the Smoking Cessation Clinic. Finally, Ms. Chadia emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, follow-up, and comprehensive care for high-risk populations.
Patras – Mr. Fotios Sampsonas, Assistant Professor at the Pulmonology Department of the Internal Medicine Clinic, University of Patras, presented the first results of the screening program in Patras since May 2025, with approximately 40 individuals. Diagnoses included 1 non-small cell lung cancer and one neuroendocrine tumor, while 20% was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 10% with asthma, 10% with bronchiectasis, 2 patients with interstitial lung disease, 1 with pleural disease, and a significant percentage had cardiac abnormalities. Finally, he emphasized the importance of the program, especially in rural areas where access to specialized healthcare services is limited.
“Healthy Lungs” Program, a private-sector initiative launched in December 2020, aims at early screening for lung cancer, was presented by Mr. Nikos Koufos, Scientific Director of the Interventional Pulmonology Unit at Metropolitan Hospital. He spoke about the program, which includes a weekly outpatient clinic, Low-Dose CT combined with AI systems to reduce false-negative results, and evaluation of findings by a panel of specialists. He mentioned that, so far, 300 individuals have participated, with cancer detection rates around 2.5%, while 12% of participants showed nodules requiring follow-up, and 30% were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 10% of which were diagnosed for the first time. Finally, he stressed that the results confirm the need to implement screenings for the Greek population, especially due to the prevalence of young smokers and environmental factors.
Mr. Dimitrios Lioubas, Thoracic Surgeon, Senior Registrar at General Hospital of Nikaia – Piraeus Agios Panteleimon, spoke about the modern role of thoracic surgeons in early-stage lung cancer, and pointed out that the main problem with lung cancer is diagnosis at an advanced stage. He talked about the advancements in thoracic surgery, from the first pneumonectomy in 1933 to the lobectomy and modern thoracotomy, which, according to recent studies, offers results comparable to or better than other oncology results in early-stage patients, since it simultaneously maintains lung function. He also emphasized the expanded role of a surgeon in decision making and in ensuring the postoperative quality of life for patients.
Mr. Nektarios Alevizopoulos, Pathologist – Oncologist, General Hospital of Athens Evangelismos, stressed the importance of early diagnosis for lung cancer and personalized management for each patient. He raised the question “Do we always need perioperative immunotherapy and what part does it play in the special subcategory of targetable mutations?”, and spoke about reducing cancer burden, facilitating surgical procedures and training lymphοcytes for improved postoperative responses. He also referred to the use of biomarkers, such as ctDNA for treatment optimization, and he highlighted that having an interdisciplinary approach and implementing the new ESMO guidelines establishes immunotherapy as a key pillar in contemporary treatment for lung cancer.
Ms. Zafeiria Barmparessou, Pulmonologist, MSc, National Health System Director, General Hospital of Samos “Ag. Panteleimon”, Coordinator of the Hellenic Thoracic Society’s Working Group for Smoking Cessation, Climate Change and Health Promotion, spoke on the importance of smoking cessation as an essential medical practice and she emphasized that Greece, with the highest percentages of smokers in Europe – 38% of the adult population -, urgently needs a national screening program in conjunction with organized intervention for smoking cessation. She pointed out that every cigarette decreases life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes and that it is never too late to quit, since it improves survival regardless of cancer stage or treatment, while it decreases complications and improves the quality of life. She also stressed that cessation is most effective when combined with medication and behavioral support, achieving success rates up to 65%, while highlighting the need for better accessibility to treatments and smoking cessation clinics. Finally, she emphasized that investing in smoking cessation is not an expenditure, but an investment in public health, productivity and human life.
Ms. Georgina Sideri, Policy Value Lead, Roche, talked about the value of pharmaceutical innovation and its role in improving patient health and survival, as well as in the enhancement of the economy and society. She referred to the challenges addressed by health systems due to aging population and the increase in non-communicable diseases, as well as the opportunities that arise from prevention, early diagnosis and the use of new technology. Finally, she underlined the need to redefine pharmaceutical policy, quicker access to new treatments and recognize the social value of medicines, sending the message that health should be treated as an investment and not as a cost.
SECTION B
Section B was chaired by Dr. Kyriaki Tavernaraki, MD, MSc, PhD, Radiologist Coordinating Director of the Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology at General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens ‘‘Sotiria”, and Secretary- General of the Hellenic Radiological Society, Dr. Georgios Pissakas, MD, PhD, Radiation Oncologist, Coordinating Director of the Department of Radiation Oncology at ‘‘Alexandra’’ General Hospital of Athens, Former President of the Hellenic Society of Radiation Oncology, and Ms. Angeliki Paraskevopoulou- Souri, Board Member of FairLife L.C.C. and Vice President of Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE).
The members of the Presidium addressed and commented on the speakers of Section A, highlighting the role of radiotherapy in lung cancer. They emphasized that 70% of diagnoses occur at an advanced stage but also underscored the value of radiotherapy at early stages through stereotactic radiosurgery. Furthermore, they referred to the central role of radiology both in screening via low-dose CT and in innovative therapeutic approaches. Finally, they stressed the importance of the nurse’s role in patient care and the need to adopt a new holistic care model, from prevention to psychological support.
Ms. Athina Baroufi, Lung Cancer Survivor, Visual artist, shared her personal experience with cancer, describing the initial shock of the diagnosis, the support she received from her physicians, and the persistent fear and anxiety accompanying the course of the disease. She discussed the stigma attached to the term “cancer patient” and the essential need for psychological support not only for patients but also for their families, emphasizing that such support should be integrated into treatment. She also referred to the contribution of FairLife L.C.C. to her psychological support and proposed the incorporation of psychotherapy groups and creative activities in hospitals. In conclusion, she highlighted the importance of screening and early diagnosis through low-dose CT scan in high-risk populations as a key step toward improving survival rates.
Mrs. Elena Linardou, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist, Director of the 4th Oncology Department at “Metropolitan” Hospital, Chair of the ESMO Women for Oncology Committee, and Board Member of FairLife L.C.C., spoke about the significance of clinical trials, emphasizing that, despite their benefits, few patients participate due to lack of awareness and regulatory challenges. She referred to the available platforms, such as clinicaltrials.gov and the Clinical Trials Information System, through which patients can search active studies and sites in Greece. She pointed out that, as of now, there are 54 active lung cancer trials on clinicaltrials.gov and 25 trials are recorded across 25 sites in the European platform. She referred to 210 trials operating in 983 sites across Europe, highlighting Greece’s lack of participation in early-phase (phase I) trials. Moreover, she underlined the inequalities that hinder participation (age, gender, socioeconomic and geographic factors) and stressed the need for digitalization, simplification of procedures, training and cultivation of a “clinical research culture” in Greece.
Ms. Maria Tolia Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), “Aretaieio” Hospital, discussed stereotactic radiotherapy as a targeted method delivered in 1–5 sessions, protecting healthy lung parenchyma while ensuring high local control of the disease. She pointed out that it may serve as an alternative to surgery in stage I–II lung cancer in cases of comorbidities, patient refusal, or local recurrence, with outcomes demonstrating up to 95% control in small lesions and a low recurrence rate (5% in two years). Finally, she pointed out that stereotactic radiotherapy is a safe and effective method with a favorable toxicity profile, while further research is required on its combination with systemic therapies to address distant metastases.
Mr. Konstantinos Stefanidis, MD, MSc, PhD, Director of the Radiology Department at “Metaxa” Cancer Hospital, presented thermal ablation with radiofrequency or microwaves as a minimally invasive treatment for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, 20–30% of whom cannot undergo surgery. He described the method which offers lung tissue preservation, brief hospitalization, rapid recovery, and repeatability in case of recurrence. He also referred to studies indicating five-year survival rates comparable to stereotactic radiotherapy. He concluded that, although additional data is needed, thermal ablation is a safe and acceptable treatment option for eligible patients, always on decision of the interdisciplinary oncology group.
Mr. Dimitris Papageorgiou emphasized the importance of “care” versus “heathcare,” highlighting that the essence of medicine and nursing lies in the human relationship with the patient. Through personal examples, he illustrated that care means interest, concern, and genuine support – not only medical acts. He referred the development of therapeutic relationships that offer hope and strength to patients with chronic diseases such as lung cancer, and presented the training program “Ogkonoisis” in collaboration with FairLife L.C.C., in which 130 nurses participate. Finally, he highlighted that the need remains for deep and meaningful care, enabling every patient feel they are not alone along the lung cancer pathway.
This event was held under the auspice of: Holy Archdiocese of Athens, Region of Attica, Municipality of Athens, School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS), Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO), Hellenic Radiological Society (HELRAD), Hellenic Society of Radiation Oncology (HESRO), Hellenic Society of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (HCTSS), Hellenic Federation of Cancer (ELLOK).
Kindly supported by: Major Sponsor MSD, Sponsor Roche, Supporters GSK, Genesis Pharma, Pfizer, Vianex, Istodierevnitiki
The entire event: https://youtube.com/live/fHz8jhnR4Xc
FairLife Lung Cancer Care
“FairLife-Lung Cancer Care ” is the first and only non-profit organization in Greece that solely engages into lung cancer – the 1st cause of cancer death in our country and globally. It was founded in 2020 by Korina Pateli-Bell in memory of her husband, Simon Bell, who lost the battle with the disease in August 2020.”
The mission of the organization is to provide information and raise awareness for lung cancer prevention, as well as to provide holistic support to both the patients and their families during their journey with the disease.
In 2024, it received the “The Organization of the Year” award at the Patient Partnerships Awards and, throughout its four years of operation, it has received 14 awards for its social work, which is recognized not only in Greece but also at an international level.
More information: 1. Anniversary Video 2. Detailed Action Report 3. Digital Leaflet | Download
