Priority for COPD, a little-known and underdiagnosed condition in France!

The risk of lung cancer linked to smoking is well known, but the French are less aware of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is nevertheless one of the serious consequences of smoking. It is responsible for more than 18,000 deaths each year1. According to the 2017 Public Health France Barometer, only 1 in 5 French people are aware of this disease. The Ministry of Solidarity and Health, the French National Health Insurance, and Santé publique France, in partnership with the French-Language Pneumology Society (SPLF), the Fondation du Souffle, and the COPD Association, are working together to raise awareness of COPD and its symptoms.

COPD, a little-known disease

COPD is a chronic respiratory disease caused by inflammation and permanent, progressive obstruction of the bronchi. Its symptoms include chronic bronchitis (a productive cough lasting several months each year for several consecutive years), recurrent bronchitis, or a gradually developing sensation of shortness of breath. Particularly debilitating, it affects between 5 and 10% of adults in France² and is on track to become the third leading cause of death ^worldwide³. This is why it is important to diagnose this disease early; while it cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed by quitting smoking.

The results of the 2017 Public Health France Barometer4 show that COPD remains largely unknown to the general public. Among the 6,347 people surveyed:

• Only one in five people were familiar with the term COPD,

• Of those, only one in three identified smoking as the main cause.

This lack of awareness is more pronounced among men, young people, and those of lower socioeconomic status.

A new campaign to raise awareness and improve diagnosis of COPD

Shortness of breath, a productive cough… these signs seem typical among smokers, yet they can also be the first symptoms of COPD. A lung function test (spirometry) makes diagnosis straightforward. It is currently estimated that over 70% of people with COPD remain undiagnosed, with diagnosis often occurring only when the disease is already at an advanced stage. Improving awareness among the French public, smokers, and former smokers, as well as raising awareness among healthcare professionals, is essential for earlier diagnosis and, consequently, better management of this disease.
From May 31 to June 26, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, Santé publique France, and the French Health Insurance System are launching a radio campaign titled “Everything You Need to Know About COPD.” It consists of three 60-second health segments in the form of interviews. A pulmonologist will provide insights on three topics: “COPD and Smoking,” “COPD: Who Is Affected?,” and “COPD: Symptoms and Diagnosis.” These segments will be broadcast in mainland France and the French overseas departments.
The initiative is complemented by a digital campaign for the general public and healthcare professionals, as well as advertorials in the medical press.
Beyond this priority, World No Tobacco Day is also an opportunity for all smokers to commit to quitting and for all healthcare professionals to discuss smoking with all their patients.