Athens Medical Group pioneers in early diagnosis of lung cancer
Low Dose CT, with Artificial Intelligence System (AI)
Athens, May 31, 2022 – Faithful to its commitment to promote the important role of prevention and early diagnosis of diseases, in improving health, the Athens Medical Group today held a Press Conference, presenting the pioneering method of early diagnosis, against lung cancer.
The test is carried out with low radiation computed tomography (Low Dose CT), which is the only “weapon” for early diagnosis of the disease. Active smokers or smokers who have stopped smoking for less than 15 years, aged over 50 years, if they have smoked more than 30 p. Years* have an absolute indication for an annual checkup with low-radiation, non-contrast chest CT.
The event was attended by Dr. Vassilis Apostolopoulos, CEO of Athens Medical Group, Dr. Panagiotis Behrakis, MD, PhD, (McGill), F.C.C.P, Pulmonologist, Intensivist, Athens Medical Center, former Associate Professor, University of Athens & Harvard University, Director of the Public Health Institute of the American College of Greece, Head of the Expert Committee on Smoking Control, Dr. Nikolaos Bodozoglou, Radiologist, Director of Axial & of Magnetic Tomography, Medical Center of Athens, Dr. Iraklis Titopoulos, MD, Phd, Specialist Interventional Pulmonologist, Director of the Pulmonology Clinic, Medical Transbalkanikos Thessaloniki, Dr. Tzabrail Dahabre, MD PhD, FETCS, Thoracic Surgeon, Director of Thoracic Surgery Clinic, Athens Medical Center and Dr. Kosmas Tsakiridis, MD, PhD, FEBTS, Thoracic-Cardiac Surgeon, Director of the Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Clinic, Specialized in Robotic Thoracic Surgery, Medical Transbalkanikos of Thessaloniki.
The Press Conference was moderated by the Journalist Mr. Apostolos Maggiriadis.
The renowned doctors-scientists focused on innovation and international best practices applied to the prevention of lung cancer, through the pioneering low-radiation chest CT examination, highlighting, once again, the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.
At the same time, Dr. Vassilis Apostolopoulos, CEO of Athens Medical Group, analyzed the Group’s strategy to lead international developments in the field of health, through a multi-level investment plan, which ensures the Group’s experienced and specialized scientists all the resources they need to provide high-level health services. Among other things, he emphasized: “The Athens Medical Group continues to evolve by shaping the future of health, here in Greece, in our clinics, with vision, consistency and continuity. On the occasion of the day against smoking, we appeal to everyone, smokers and non-smokers, to adopt the preventive examination against lung cancer, every year, as the ultimate weapon in the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer”.
*one pack of cigarettes / day for 30 years
Lung cancer screening, through low-radiation computed tomography, with the aid of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) System
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer after prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women, and the first in deaths worldwide. Its high mortality is mainly due to the fact that the diagnosis of the disease is made late, when it is already in an advanced stage, limiting treatment solutions.
To prevent lung cancer, people at high risk should be screened annually with a low-dose chest X-ray. This method images the lungs in detail, while having 90% less radiation than conventional chest CT.
The diagnosis is carried out by specialized radiologists with the aid of an Artificial Intelligence System (AI), giving results of high accuracy and image quality. The examination is very fast, painless and does not require an injection or the administration of a contrast agent. When the suspicion of cancer is significant further tests such as a biopsy will be recommended. If required, the findings are discussed with pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.
For more press information:
Savvas Karagiannis, Communications Manager, General Directorate of Business Development, Iatriko Athens Group
Tel.: 210 6287236, E-mail: s.karagiannis@iatriko.gr
