Personalized medical care and support for smoking cessation launched a year ago at the Centre Baclesse
As part of the future national IMPULSION (IMPlémentation du dépistage du cancer PULmonaire en populatION), coordinated by the French National Cancer Institute(INCa), the Centre Baclesse has set up a TABAC program designed to boost early detection of lung cancer and promote smoking cessation among at-risk populations.
The Normandy region will soon be taking part in this pilot program, but the Centre Baclesse has chosen to anticipate its deployment by initiating this pathway as early as 2024.
"Our aim is to identify lung cancers earlier in those most at risk, while helping them to actively stop smoking",
stresses Dr Pierre DEMONTROND, pulmonologist at the Centre Baclesse.
A course dedicated to smokers and ex-smokers
The TABAC course is designed for :
- Active smokers or quitters for less than 15 years
- Having smoked at least a pack a day for 20 years
- Aged 50 to 74
- No pneumological follow-up or chest CT scan in the last 12 months
Participants corresponding to these criteria are offered a half-day hospitalization (HDJ) on Wednesday mornings at the CEMAB (3rd floor of the Centre Baclesse).
Three consultations for a global approach
During this morning, patients benefit from three additional consultations:
- A medical consultation with Dr Pierre DEMONTROND.
- A tobaccology consultation with Sandrine ROUSSEAUX, a tobaccology nurse.
- An adapted physical activity (APA) consultation with Flavie DEMEUDE, dietician and APA teacher.
Low-dose CT, a key lung screening test
During the same half-day, participants undergo a low-dose, injection-free thoracic CT scan. This examination can detect very small lung abnormalities, sometimes invisible on a conventional scan, while reducing exposure to X-rays. It is now the reference technique for early detection of lung cancer.
Long-term medical care
The results of the scan are presented at a follow-up medical consultation. If the scan is normal, an annual check-up is scheduled, then every two years until the age of 74. At the same time, patients are helped to quit smoking, one of the key aspects of the TABAC program.
A major public health issue
Every year, lung cancer affects around 53,000 people in France. The third most common cancer, it remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. In 60% of cases, lung cancer is diagnosed at the metastatic stage. However, 80% of patients concerned are or have been smokers.
These figures underline the importance of early detection and active smoking prevention.
Read more
For more information or to find out if you are concerned:
- CEMAB Secretariat at the Centre Baclesse
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Telephone: 02 31 45 40 21
