The city council and the college of Tynaarlo have supported the appeal of councilor John Franke tonight to press for a population screening for lung cancer. The call will be shared with other municipalities in the country after the 2022 elections.
Franke has lung cancer herself and has been treated. In recent years, he has participated in an alternative form of therapy, which he says has given him a respite. Although he is still looking at possibilities, he indicated in tonight’s council meeting that he was ‘unsavory’.
Early Alert
“Lung cancer is being diagnosed in more and more people, including those who have not smoked,” says Franke. “This year, more than 10,000 people will die from lung cancer.”
Franke argues that a standard population screening should take place, as is also the case with bowel, cervical and breast cancer. “This can help with early detection.”
‘Does me a lot’
Tynaarlo’s council and college supported Franke’s motion. PvdA councilor Koos Dijkstra did indicate that he does not think that the council should be used as an ‘action or pressure group’. “Yet we also vote in favor of the motion,” he concluded.
That is what the council did through alderman Hanneke Wiersema. “The Health Council has already expressed its opinion about the usefulness of such a study. We wholeheartedly endorse this.”
Franke indicated that he was happy with the broad support. “That means a lot to me.”