Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, despite significant advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment over the past decade. Early detection remains one of the most important factors in improving patient outcomes, as it expands treatment options and increases the chances of successful care.
On World Lung Cancer Day, the global healthcare and research community highlights the importance of prevention, access to lung cancer screening and the use of emerging technologies that can support healthcare professionals and improve patient care.
The Value of Early Detection
Lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, meaning that many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed. This makes screening programmes for people at high risk increasingly important, while raising public awareness remains essential to encouraging timely medical consultation.
At the same time, advances in medical technology are providing healthcare professionals with new tools to identify potential signs of lung cancer earlier and with greater accuracy.
Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Lung Cancer Care
Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most significant developments in modern oncology. AI is already being used to analyse medical images, support diagnosis, identify suspicious findings and process large volumes of health data that can lead to more personalised treatment decisions.
According to a recent WHO/Europe report, 74% of European Union Member States are already using AI-assisted applications in healthcare. However, the successful adoption of AI depends not only on technological capabilities but also on how these systems are developed, evaluated and integrated into everyday clinical practice.
Why Responsible AI Matters
Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) highlights that artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly improve lung cancer care, provided that its development and use are based on clear principles.
According to LuCE, three key conditions are essential:
- AI systems should be built on reliable data and transparent evaluation processes.
- Artificial intelligence should support healthcare professionals—not replace them. Clinical expertise, professional judgement and the relationship between healthcare professionals and patients must remain at the centre of care.
- People affected by lung cancer should have a voice in the design and evaluation of new technologies so that innovative solutions address real patient needs.
At the same time, the AI Act introduces stricter requirements for artificial intelligence systems used in healthcare, strengthening safety, transparency and trust. Together with the European Health Data Space (EHDS), the new regulatory framework is expected to create a stronger foundation for the development and adoption of trustworthy AI applications in oncology.
From Research to Everyday Clinical Practice
Technological advances are opening up new possibilities for lung cancer care. However, their true value lies in their successful adoption in everyday clinical practice. Achieving this requires close collaboration between researchers, businesses, healthcare professionals, public authorities and patient organisations to ensure that innovative solutions are developed around real clinical needs and implemented safely and responsibly.
The Role of Health Hub
As the European Digital Innovation Hub for health and pharmaceuticals in Greece, Health Hub supports SMEs, public organisations and healthcare providers in developing and adopting innovative digital solutions.
Through training, Test Before Invest services, access to specialised expertise and connections with the European innovation ecosystem, Health Hub helps transform technologies such as artificial intelligence into safe, practical solutions that deliver real benefits for patients. Learn more about Health Hub’s services here.