Last month ELF endorsed and presented at the ERS-CPFS event in Brussels focused on prevention, early detection and early treatment of lung diseases.
The “Healthier Lungs, Healthier People: A Project For the EU” event took place in Brussels, Belgium, on 26 September 2022 at the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the European Union. The event was organised by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Advocacy Council and the Czech Pneumological and Phthiseological Society (CPFS) with the support of the Czech Presidency of the EU 2022. The conference was endorsed by: the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic; ELF; the European Reference Network for rare respiratory diseases (ERN-Lung); the Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD); Lung Cancer Europe (LUCE); and the European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention (ENSP).
Over 50 public health stakeholders, health professionals, policy makers and patient associations came together on the day to exchange best practices, get relevant policy insights and brainstorm the future of screening and respiratory health overall.
The event spotlighted the European Commission’s proposal to extend Council recommendations on cancer screening to lung cancer and the EU’s Healthier Together initiative – which lists chronic respiratory diseases as a priority area.
During the morning sessions, speakers focussed on lung health and primary prevention, early diagnosis and secondary prevention. In the afternoon, participants engaged in three workshops on the topics of: joint screening and smoking cessation programmes; genetic, molecular and environmental risk factors; and increasing awareness of lung health.
ELF was represented by Mikaela Odemyr, Chair of the ELF Patient Advisory Committee. She contributed to the discussion, showcasing the work of ELF supporting patients with lung diseases and increasing lung health awareness among the wider public. Such examples of activities include connecting patients and respiratory professionals; conducting public awareness campaigns; advocating for advanced diagnosis, treatment and care; hosting patient conferences; and producing educational materials.
Learn more about the event: https://www.ersnet.org/events/healthy-lungs-project-for-the-eu/
Read the statement of ERS and ELF “A new EU approach on cancer screening a big step forward”: https://www.ersnet.org/news-and-features/news/ers-and-elf-welcome-new-eu-approach-on-cancer-screening/
