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12 For example, when faced with a histological diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, specific investigations are now indicated for its molecular characterisation. Such investigations include, to name but a couple, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations and rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, which allow for the use of specific molecularly targeted therapies such as EGFR or ALK inhibitors. The use of these drugs in clinical practice has resulted in a significant increase in survival in the subgroup of patients in whom the presence of these molecular alterations has been doc- umented [15]. In conjunction with the use of molecularly targeted drugs, immunotherapy has become increasingly popular. Initially proposed as an effective treatment in patients who had not responded to chemotherapy, it later proved to be superior to chemotherapy as a first-choice treatment in cases characterised by high expression of the biomarker programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). It is hoped that in the coming years, on the basis of recently completed or still ongoing clinical trials, innovative drugs (molecular target therapies and immunotherapy) will also play an increasingly important role in the treatment of early stag- es , for example, by being used before or after surgery in order to reduce the risks of disease recurrence and hopefully increase the chances of recovery in the long term. Integrating these pharmacological treatments into the early-stage treatment strategy, however, requires the effective and early detection of cancer which, in turn, requires the implementation of screening programmes aimed at higher-risk populations. This approach could increase the number of patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer (from the current 14% to 50-60%) who are candidates for surgical resection and ensure that these patients have access to treatment with the most innovative drugs. 1.3 Tobacco addiction and social stigma have made lung cancer a major blind spot in healthcare policy By far the most prevalent risk factor for lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. Smoking cessation has been proven to reduce the risk of this disease. For this reason, any prevention measure cannot be effective without the implementation of stop-smoking programmes. Both intensity (number of cigarettes smoked per day) and duration (years) are directly and closely associated with the risk of developing lung can- cer. Stopping smoking is essential: the risk of lung cancer decreases as the length of time without smoking increases, although it never reaches the baseline risk of those who have never smoked. For example, for those who have stopped smoking, the risk of developing cancer remains high for up to 15 years after their last cigarette [16]. The earlier the age at which someone stops smoking, the greater the benefit. Older generations, who already have decades of exposure to the effects of tobacco smoke, are more reluc-