Gillian Ryan, Lung Cancer Patient Advocate at White Ribbon for Lung Cancer, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“This April, I travelled to Vienna for the European Lung Cancer Conference and it was eye-opening.I learned how differently lung cancer care is delivered across Europe. The disparities between countries are stark. Some have national screening programmes and clear early detection pathways. Ireland is still fighting for the basics.
During the conference I sat on an Advisory Board focused on EGFR-mutant lung cancer bringing the patient perspective to conversations about targeted therapy. I learned so much from other patients during this meeting.
I met advocates from across the continent, every one of them showing up with lived experience and determination. That kind of solidarity is something else.
The conference ended with a members’ dinner where I got to connect with Debra Montague President of Lung Cancer Europe.
I came home more determined than ever. Ireland needs a National Lung Cancer Screening Programme. The conversation is happening across Europe, the evidence to prove early detection saves lives is clear, we need to be implementing screening programmes now and not play catch up down the line.”
Other articles about Gillian Ryan on OncoDaily.
