Marking World Lung Cancer Day, the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, has launched a national lung cancer awareness campaign under the slogan: “Quit Smoking, Choose Safety, Detect Early Before It’s Too Late.” The campaign aims to raise awareness and enhance understanding of lung cancer risk factors, while highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection across Lebanon.
The initiative is part of the ongoing strategic partnership between the Ministry of Public Health and AstraZeneca, within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parties to strengthen lung cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection in Lebanon. Through this collaboration, the Ministry and AstraZeneca continue to support national efforts to reduce the burden of the disease by implementing effective awareness initiatives that highlight risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis. The campaign is aligned with the objectives of Lebanon’s National Cancer Control Plan (2023–2028) and aims to contribute to improved health outcomes for patients.
In this context, AstraZeneca Lebanon General Manager AgnarAbou Jaoude said: “This initiative reflects AstraZeneca’s commitment to supporting national health priorities and contributing to the reduction of lung cancer through strengthened prevention and early detection.”
Abou Jaoude added: “In line with our ambition to eliminate lung cancer as a leading cause of death, we believe in the importance of joining forces with the Ministry of Public Health as a key partner to improve patient outcomes.”
The event featured a symbolic initiative in which the Ministry of Public Health building was illuminated using 3D projection technology, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to leading national efforts to prevent the disease and promote public health awareness.
Through an interactive visual display, the building was transformed into an awareness platform illustrating the journey of the lungs from health and well-being to the harmful effects of smoking. The event concluded with the campaign’s main message: prevention and early detection are key to reducing lung cancer and improving survival rates.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Public Health Dr. RakanNassereldine stressed that “lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer worldwide,” emphasizing that prevention remains the most effective way to combat the disease. This includes reducing smoking in all its forms, raising public awareness, and encouraging people at higher risk to undergo the appropriate medical tests when needed.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continue its public awareness initiatives and expand access to early detection services in cooperation with partners across the public and private sectors, thereby helping improve patients’ chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The joint initiative highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting national efforts to combat lung cancer, strengthening a culture of prevention, and emphasizing the critical role of early diagnosis.
The Ministry of Public Health reiterated that smoking in all its forms, including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and hookah, remains the leading cause of lung cancer. It also stressed that secondhand smoke poses a significant health risk to non-smokers.
The Ministry urged citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking, and not hesitate to undergo medical examinations when necessary, emphasizing that early detection can make a significant difference and that strengthening prevention is the most important step toward a future free from deaths caused by lung cancer.
