– Press Release –
Students Join the Fight Against Smoking!
In honor of World Cancer Day on February 4, 2024, the CLC Educational Institute presents a student research project on the health, environmental, and financial impact of smoking, in collaboration with FairLife L.C.C.
The research project conducted by 13 students from the CLC Educational Institute, in collaboration with FairLife Lung Cancer Care, aimed to raise awareness about the impact of smoking on young people by addressing four key areas: Health, Mental Health, Economy, and the Environment. The survey is presented in the light of World Cancer Day on February 4, under the theme “Close the Care Gap.“
Through a comprehensive presentation of the risks associated with smoking, both for active and passive smokers, supported by extensive scientific documentation, the students of the CLC Educational Institute significantly contribute to informing and raising awareness among young people and people of all ages about the serious consequences of smoking on public health, the environment, and the economy.
The student research project emphasizes that smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer and is associated with serious diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vascular strokes, coronary heart disease, and bronchial asthma, all of which can be fatal. Additionally, smoking addiction can lead to mental health issues, including depression and other severe mental disorders. Beyond the health impacts, the financial burden of smoking reduces people’s quality of life, while the production and distribution of cigarettes negatively affect the global economy. Finally, tobacco and cigarette ends contribute to environmental problems through chemical waste pollution.
The research project highlights the connection between smoking, tobacco-related stigma, and psychological issues, including depression and other mental disorders, as well as the overall decline in the quality of life for smokers. These are among the most compelling aspects of the project.
The research project concludes by emphasizing that, given the significant impact of smoking on global health, the economy, and the environment, all countries should implement a national action plan on smoking. This plan should include initiatives not only for prevention but also for addressing the effects of smoking comprehensively, such as controlling cigarette consumption, establishing a lung cancer screening program, and managing the environmental impact.
See the full student research project here.
Korina Pateli-Bell, president of Fairlife L.C.C., spoke about the collaboration with the students and the outcomes of their work: “We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all 13 students of the CLC Educational Institute for their excellent cooperation and dedication to prepare this project. We warmly thank the students Marina Alexandratou, Ioannis Asimakopoulos, Elli Argyropoulou, Maria-Vassiliki Droulia, Angelos Zotos, Maria-Ioanna Kapsabeli, Giorgos Levantis, Aias Meletiadis, Dionysis Mouzakis-Dera, Vassilia Nikolakaki, Dionysis Tsilimidos, Isabella Hatzi and Christina Christodoulou both for their lung cancer awareness and the outstanding final outcome. Our deepest appreciation to the parents of CLC Educational Institute students for supporting their children’s visions and shaping future citizens with moral values and social skills. We also thank the entire administrative and teaching team of the CLC Educational Institute for the spirit of social responsibility they foster in students and for their engagement in their progress. Sincere thanks to the members of FairLife L.C.C. and our scientific partners for their valuable time and expertise throughout all stages of the project, as well as to the entire FairLife L.C.C. team, who are the voice and support for all lung cancer patients.“
« Individually we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean. »
RYUNOSUKE SATORO
CLC Educational Institute
Founded in 1996 by Mrs. Despina -Peppy Christala and Mr. Theodoros Spinthiropoulos, the CLC Educational Institute is dedicated to more than just academic and professional growth. It offers a broad range of services, such as test preparation, university admission counseling for international studies, personalized tutoring, career guidance, and the development of a robust alumni network. CLC’s mission is to support students in achieving their educational and career goals while fostering a sense of social responsibility.
By integrating discussions on ethical decision-making, community involvement, and global issues into its curriculum, CLC motivates students to become engaged citizens who contribute positively to their communities. Through collaborative community service projects with various agencies and volunteer organizations, CLC strives to inspire young people to make a significant societal impact.
FairLife Lung Cancer Care
FairLife Lung Cancer Care (FairLife L.C.C.) is the first and only non-profit organization, exclusively dedicated to lung cancer (LC) in Greece, the leading cause of cancer-related death in Greece and worldwide.
FairLife L.C.C.’s mission is to holistically support people impacted by lung cancer, aiming to improve their quality of life throughout their journey from diagnosis to treatment.
To support our mission:
– we work to eliminate the lung cancer stigma, experienced by people, impacted by the disease.
– we promote lung cancer prevention, early diagnosis and screening to decrease mortality rates.
– we raise awareness of the value of comprehensive molecular screening.
– we provide psychosocial support to patients, caregivers and family members.
– we encourage and educate patients, institutions and the general public about the value of clinical trials and access to new innovative therapies.
– we activate teenagers, citizens and the young generation towards a stronger eco-consciousness, a better quality of life and a healthy environment with less pollution and less lung cancer.
FairLife – Lung Cancer Care was founded in memory of Simon Bell, 57, who lost the battle with lung cancer in August 2020.
Athens February 1, 2024
