Burgas, Bulgaria – May 12, 2025 — Smokers and former smokers in Burgas will soon have access to free lung screenings as the city takes part, for the first time, in the nationwide health initiative “For a Life Without Tobacco Smoke.”
The campaign, organized by the Institute for Health Education and the National Association for the Prevention of Lung Diseases, is timed to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
Announced by Dr. Sofia Angelova, chairperson of the National Association for the Prevention of Lung Diseases, the examinations began in Sofia on May 2 and are now rolling out across other cities.
In Burgas, the free testing will commence on May 22 and will be carried out by pulmonologist Dr. Vesselina Nenova.
The campaign focuses specifically on adult smokers and ex-smokers who have no prior diagnosis of lung conditions. Its goal is to detect early signs of respiratory disorders and promote smoking cessation.
According to organizers, patients already diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or those currently exhibiting viral symptoms, are not eligible to participate.
“Smoking is among the most significant risk factors for developing lung diseases and is a leading preventable cause of disability, suffering, and premature death,” said Dr. Angelova. “Through this campaign, we aim to encourage early detection and prevention.”
During the examinations, participants will receive both counseling on how to quit smoking and a spirometry test — a non-invasive lung function test that takes approximately 10 minutes.
Spirometry provides critical insights into lung capacity and efficiency, measuring how much air a person can inhale and exhale and how efficiently oxygen is distributed throughout the lungs.
To take part, individuals must register online through the website of the Institute for Health Education at www.healthedu.eu. Registration is mandatory, with all sign-up pathways accessible from the homepage.
An additional helpline — 0700 10 126 — is available for inquiries on weekdays between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and will remain active until all time slots are filled.
The campaign does not require a referral from a general practitioner, making it more accessible to adults who are concerned about their lung health but have not yet sought formal diagnosis.
Local health statistics underscore the need for such a campaign. Data from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) reveals that approximately 3,600 primary consultations for respiratory complaints are conducted annually in Burgas. Alarmingly, two-thirds of those examined are individuals over 60 years old.
Having been launched in 2018, the campaign was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2024. Nearly 500 individuals underwent screenings last year, with about 30% found to have lung health issues that warranted further investigation.
According to the National Statistical Institute, lung diseases rank highest in Bulgaria for morbidity. Globally, four of the top ten deadliest diseases are pulmonary: COPD, acute lower respiratory tract infections, lung cancer, and tuberculosis. COPD, often dubbed the “smoker’s disease,” is now the third leading cause of death worldwide.
The campaign in Burgas presents a timely opportunity for early detection and prevention, offering residents a crucial step toward a life without tobacco smoke.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members