First-time large-scale targeted population screening for lung cancer in Greece - implementation of the SOLACE project

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. For Greece, LC is a top public health challenge, with an estimated incidence of smokers over 15 years of age of 34%, the second highest in the EU. Early detection through screening is critical to improving patient outcomes. SOLACE, a project funded by the EU and the Hellenic Ministry of Health, with 33 partners from 15 countries, represents the first large-scale, targeted-population screening project to date in Greece. <bold>Aims:</bold> Aiming to support the implementation of low-dose chest CT as a screening tool, SOLACE also addresses the crucial issue of health equalities. Our proactive recruitment strategy includes implementation of multiple methods specifically tailored to the female and hard-to-reach (e.g. financially vulnerable) populations. Participating teams are based in Athens and Herakion, Crete. <bold>Results:</bold> An initial wave of dissemination has included working with social workers, physical meetings with community representatives and mediators and informative material (leaflets, posters, social media messages). We are also collaborating with the breast cancer screening program, already successfully rolled-out in both Athens and Herakion, to benefit from previous screening experience and maximize participant turn-out. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> After a 3-month period of recording our baseline ad hoc screening numbers, SOLACE recruitment in Greece formally starts on March 1st, 2024. As the project progresses, we are aiming to further tailor the recruitment strategy to our population needs and experiences. Approaching efficiently people mostly at risk of LC is central to our effort for a much-needed change.