Manolis’s experience of lung cancer screening
Manolis is retired and lives in a village near Heraklion, Crete. He was a heavy smoker for 50 years, but has now been smoke-free for seven or eight months. Manolis knew that smoking had left its mark on his health, and he was concerned about what that might mean.
Manolis first heard about the SOLACE lung cancer screening pilot when he visited the clinic because he was unwell. His doctor told him about the programme and recommended he take part. Although Manolis was worried about what the tests might find, he knew he had to do it – putting it off would only make him more anxious. Manolis shared his story in his own words below.
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Manolis says that, although he was afraid, he knew he needed to do something to take care of himself. He went along for a spirometry test and then a CT scan. There was nothing painful; the most difficult part was the anxiety of waiting for the results.
When the results came back, Manolis was relieved to learn that his scan was negative for lung cancer. But the screening also picked up signs of osteoporosis, which he is now following up on – something he might not have known about without the programme. Manolis says that anyone in a similar situation should consider attending lung screening.
