Health advocates highlight lung cancer waiting lists and disease prevention

Health organizations in the Balkans are emphasizing the importance of prevention and early detection during observances of World Lung Day and World Week of Action Against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

In Banja Luka, the Association of Lung Cancer Patients ‘Breathe for Life’ highlighted critical challenges facing patients. Association President Seka Dželić reported that as of August, 82 people were on waiting lists for innovative lung cancer therapies. Dželić noted that while medical advancements have increased the availability of drugs, the pace of access remains slow due to the need for new funding sources, which is particularly difficult for younger patients.

In Zagreb, the Croatian Society for Chronic Diseases is organizing a public health campaign titled ‘Health for the Long Term’. The event, held at Ban Jelačić Square, offers free health screenings including blood pressure, glucose, body mass index, and EKG tests. The society noted that chronic non-communicable diseases account for three-quarters of all deaths in Croatia, with circulatory, diabetic, and respiratory diseases causing over 26,000 deaths annually.