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(16. 09. 2025) For the first time in Baden-Württemberg: early detection for heavy smokers in clinical care. Early diagnosis enables significantly better chances of recovery.

The Medical Center - University of Freiburg is the first hospital in Baden-Württemberg to receive approval to offer lung cancer screening for heavy smokers in clinical care. With a computer tomogram (CT), even the smallest changes can be detected early - long before symptoms occur. The examination is particularly gentle thanks to the low-dose technology used and state-of-the-art CT scanners. The program gives those affected a better chance of recovery and strengthens oncological care in the country in the long term.

Reliable support with the latest diagnostics and treatment

"Structured lung cancer screening offers the opportunity to detect the disease at an early, potentially curable stage," says Prof. Dr. Christopher Schlett, Head of the Cardiothoracic Imaging Section of the Department of Radiology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. Lung cancer patients are cared for at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg in an interdisciplinary lung cancer center. Experts from pneumology, thoracic surgery, radiology, oncology, radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology and other specialist areas regularly discuss the best way forward. "We combine state-of-the-art diagnostic methods with medical experience and close interdisciplinary cooperation to reliably guide patients through the latest diagnostics and treatment," says Prof. Dr. Cornelius Waller, Head of the Lung Cancer Center and Senior Physician at the Department of Medicine I at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

Who is eligible for screening?

The screening is aimed at people between the ages of 50 and 75 who currently smoke or have stopped smoking within the last ten years. The requirements are at least 25 years of smoking experience and 15 so-called pack years. This indicates how many years a person has smoked a certain number of cigarette packs per day on average. Example: Half a pack (10 cigarettes) a day over 30 years corresponds to 15 pack years. In addition, the last CT chest examination must have been carried out more than twelve months ago and there must be no known lung cancer or serious previous illness that would preclude participation.

Procedure of the screening

Referrals can be made by certified specialists in general medicine, occupational medicine and internal medicine. A medical consultation takes place before admission to the program. The benefits and risks are explained, such as radiation exposure, possible incidental or false-positive findings. The CT scan is painless and only takes a few minutes. Contrast agents are not required for this examination. Patients are closely accompanied from the appointment to the discussion of the findings. Participants are also informed about the opportunities for smoking cessation and supported if necessary. In this way, the program combines early detection with preventive measures for long-term health improvement.

Close cooperation enables early offer

"With the launch of the program, the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is taking on a pioneering role in Baden-Württemberg. This was only possible thanks to the very close and good cooperation with the Freiburg Regional Council during the approval process," says Prof. Dr. Frederik Wenz, Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

"With lung cancer screening, the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is setting an important milestone in cancer prevention and another exclamation mark for the excellent quality of medical care in South Baden. I am delighted that my hospital has once again been able to support this with a swift and efficient approval process. Patients can now benefit from this screening at an early stage thanks to the first approval of its kind in Baden-Württemberg," explains District President Carsten Gabbert.

Contribution to the national cancer strategy

The structured screening program for the early detection of lung cancer complements the nationwide efforts to implement the National Cancer Plan, in which early detection is anchored as a central measure. The program thus makes an important contribution to improving medical care in Germany.

Contact for patients:
LungenkrebsScreening@uniklinik-freiburg.de
www.lungenkrebsscreening-freiburg.de

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