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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. On this occasion, the H.U.B. is offering a wide range of activities to inform and engage both the public and healthcare professionals in preventing this disease. Read more. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Why? Because it is often detected too late due to a lack of early symptoms. Raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals can therefore help achieve earlier diagnoses and save lives!That’s why, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, H.U.B. experts are mobilising to offer a series of activities designed to help you learn more about your lungs, the diseases that can affect them (such as cancer and COPD), existing treatments and care options, and above all, how to protect your respiratory health.Programme – Lung Cancer Awareness MonthTuesday, November 4, 2025Patient Workshop: Overcoming Barriers to Lung Cancer DiagnosisA space for discussion and reflection on the obstacles to diagnosis and management of lung cancer. This workshop allows patients to share their experiences and better understand the factors influencing their decisions. The goal is to identify concrete ways to provide more personalized and timely support that meets patients’ needs and personal objectives.From November 10 to 14, 2025Exhibition: “Giant Lungs”Visit the Jules Bordet Institute to discover Giant Lungs, a large inflatable structure featuring an interactive educational path that explains how the lungs work, their role, and the impact of pollution, tobacco, and other factors on respiratory health. “Giant Lungs” also offers interactive quizzes, fun breathing assessments, and the opportunity to talk with pulmonology and oncology specialists! In partnership with All.Can Belgium.Wednesday, November 19, 2025Information and Respiratory Health Assessment BoothOn the occasion of World COPD Day, the pulmonology and thoracic oncology teams will welcome you at both the Jules Bordet Institute and Erasme Hospital to assess your lung health and answer your questions. Adventurous patients (whose health allows it) will also have the chance to take part in a cycling challenge alongside H.U.B healthcare staff!Tuesday, November 25, 2025Seminar for general practitionersA session dedicated to the key role of general practitioners in the early detection of lung cancer. This seminar offers an update on warning signs and care pathways. Objective: strengthen clinical vigilance, patient dialogue, and coordination for faster, more effective management.Program and registration details to follow. Program & resgitration (in French)About Lung CancerLung cancer occurs when certain lung cells change and multiply uncontrollably, forming an abnormal mass called a tumor.There are two main types of lung cancer:Non-small cell lung cancer (the most common, about 80% of cases).Small cell lung cancer (rarer but more aggressive).Prevalence in BelgiumLung cancer is among the most common cancers in Belgium.About 9,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.It is the leading cause of cancer death, all types combined.Main risk factor: tobacco, but other causes include exposure to radon, air pollution, passive smoking, and family history.SymptomsPersistent or changing coughCoughing up bloodChest pain or shortness of breathHoarsenessUnintentional weight loss, fatigueRepeated lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)Note: Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it’s important to see a doctor if they persist. With the support of:

To ensure you are clearly informed about this procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may need. What is a liver biopsy? A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is taken to make a precise diagnosis of liver disease. This allows your doctor to treat the problem optimally. The tissue is analyzed under a microscope, and the final result is usually available within a week. Why perform a liver biopsy? Your doctor has suggested this procedure due to symptoms and blood test abnormalities indicating a possible liver problem. Obtaining a liver tissue sample allows laboratory analysis under a microscope to determine the cause and severity of the problem. Measuring liver pressures (porto-systemic gradient) helps assess the severity of the disease and its impact on the veins supplying the liver (portal hypertension), guiding treatment. How to prepare for a liver biopsy? Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and any medications you usually take (especially blood-thinning medications: aspirin, Plavix, Sintrom, …). If you have known allergies, inform your doctor, and for women, indicate if you are pregnant.You must fast (no food or drink) for 6 hours before the procedure. How is a liver biopsy performed? The biopsy can be performed using two approaches, depending on the suspected problem and/or current treatment.Percutaneous liver biopsy (through the skin of the right flank)After radiographic or ultrasound localization, local anesthesia is applied to the skin and abdominal wall (between the ribs on the right side). You will be asked to hold your breath. A liver puncture is then performed quickly using a needle, a pressure dressing is applied, and you must lie on your right side for 4 hours. This procedure can be performed under sedation (injection of a sedative if needed) and is organized as a 24-hour hospital stay for monitoring and bed rest. Transjugular liver biopsy (via a neck vein) and suprahepatic catheterizationAfter local anesthesia of the neck skin, an introducer is placed in a neck vein. A catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the liver under radiographic control. Liver pressures are measured, and a puncture is performed to obtain a tissue sample. A pressure dressing is then applied to the neck for 24 hours.This procedure can be performed under sedation (injection of a sedative if needed) and is organized as a 24-hour hospital stay for monitoring and bed rest. Possible complications of a liver biopsy Any medical procedure, even performed with proper expertise and according to current scientific and regulatory standards, carries a risk of complications.Complications of liver biopsy are rare (hematoma, bleeding) and may be influenced by your medical history or ongoing treatment.If you experience abnormal symptoms (abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, jaundice), contact the physician who performed the procedure during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00–16:30, at +32 (0)2 555.32.92, Endoscopy Clinic.If you cannot reach them, promptly contact your general practitioner or go to the hospital Emergency Department.

Image Be well prepared for the surgery or treatment Image The day before the surgery/treatment Image The day of the surgery/treatment