Ana’s story: lung cancer screening and quitting smoking
Ana, a 57-year-old woman from France, had smoked for 40 years. She had never tried to quit, but a persistent and heavy cough had become impossible to ignore.
So when she learned about the CASCADE study, a lung cancer screening programme focused on women aged 50 to 74 who are current or former smokers, she decided to take part. Through CASCADE, Ana was connected to a doctor who specialises in helping people to quit smoking.
Watch to hear Ana’s story in her own words:
Getting support to quit
Led by Professor Marie-Pierre Revel, France’s SOLACE Project lead, the CASCADE study set out to better understand rising lung cancer rates among women and how to engage them in screening. As part of Ana’s journey in the programme, she received support from an addiction specialist to help her quit smoking.
The doctor made it clear: quitting smoking is not just a matter of willpower. Tobacco product dependency is an addiction that can be treated with the right support.
Ana’s doctor was honest about what to expect. Cravings would likely continue, and the first three to six months would be the most challenging. But since deciding to quit, Ana has stayed smoke-free. For someone who once believed she could never quit, this is a remarkable achievement.
Ana’s experience shows why lung cancer screening programmes across Europe now include support to help people stop smoking. Screening offers the chance to detect cancer early in people at higher risk and to support them in quitting smoking, enabling people to live longer and healthier lives.
If you want to stop smoking, lung cancer screening can connect you with the support you need. Whether you currently smoke or used to, you deserve care, respect and the opportunity to be screened. Learn about who is eligible for screening and lung cancer screening services near you.
The benefits of quitting smoking
People who have smoked are not to blame for their addiction. Tobacco products are highly addictive, and for decades, the tobacco industry has used aggressive marketing to encourage smoking.
But it is never too late to quit, and quitting has immediate benefits:
- Within 24 hours: Your lungs will work better
- Within 2–12 weeks: Your blood circulation will improve, making physical activity easier
- Within 1–2 months: Cough, phlegm and wheeze decrease
- Within 1 year: Your skin will be rejuvenated – you could look many years younger
Screening is not about judgement or blame. It is about looking after your health and taking a positive step for yourself.
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