Presenter Profile: Witold Rzyman, MD, PhD, FECTS
Professor, Medical University of Gdańsk; Chief Surgeon, Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Clinical Center; Coordinator of Thoracic Cancer Unit, University Clinical Center; Chief Surgeon, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Regional Pulmonary Hospital
Gdańsk, Poland
ILCN: What is your presentation about?
Dr. Rzyman: The current status of lung cancer screening implementation in Central Europe and the Nordic Countries is based on direct information from key persons involved in the process in each country. Central/Eastern Europe with its 157 million inhabitants and Nordic Countries with their 15 million inhabitants are significant European regions with high rates of smoking addiction, with potentially several million people at risk of developing lung cancer.
ILCN: Why is this topic timely or important in 2024?
Dr. Rzyman: In December 2023, the EU Commission recognized lung cancer screening as a screening method and added it to the EU Beating Cancer Plan and recommended its implementation in Europe. However, the status of population-based screening differs across European countries. So far, only Croatia has implemented a nationwide lung cancer screening program. In 2025, UK and Poland begin their programs. However, most countries still lack a precise implementation plan in 2024.
09:00-16:00 PDT, Saturday, September 7
Room 31ABC, San Diego Convention Center
2024 IASLC CT Screening Symposium
Hear from Witold Rzyman, MD, PhD, FECTS, and other experts as they discuss the challenges and successes of CT screening programs and update attendees on the progress being made in implementing such programs around the globe.
ILCN: How did you become involved with this area of lung cancer research, care, or advocacy?
Dr. Rzyman: I started our first lung cancer screening program in 2009, and since than our broad interdisciplinary team has already completed five projects regarding implementation feasibility, molecular signature of early lung cancer, radiomics assessment of pulmonary nodules, and comorbidities in at risk populations.
ILCN: What are you most looking forward to during the 50th Anniversary World Conference on Lung Cancer?
Dr. Rzyman: Seeing the latest on lung cancer screening, neo- and periadjuvant treatment of locally advanced lung cancer, equal access to oncological treatment, and AI implementation in thoracic oncology.
