LungX is a free digital questionnaire designed to help people recognize potential symptoms of lung cancer, become more aware of their own health, and avoid underestimating the early signs of the disease. Accessible online and easy to complete, the questionnaire provides a personalized analysis based on the user’s answers and can serve as a basis for a conversation with a general practitioner.
Lung cancer is among the leading types of cancer worldwide. In its early stages, it often develops without clearly expressed symptoms, which makes early screening extremely important. Timely detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. In more advanced stages, symptoms may include persistent cough, blood in the sputum, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, weight loss, pain or discomfort in the chest when breathing or coughing.
The main risk factor remains smoking—responsible for over 80% of cases—as well as advancing age. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (the more common type) and small cell lung cancer, which develops more quickly and aggressively.
“LungX gives people the opportunity to make an informed first step toward taking more responsibility for their own health. We see a real need for such a tool, especially in a country like Bulgaria, where the disease is often underestimated and mortality remains alarmingly high,” said Milena Organdzhieva (Kostova), Managing Director of MSD for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania.
According to the OECD and European Commission report (2025), lung cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Bulgaria, with 88 new cases per 100,000 people in 2022. Among women, the incidence rate is 25 per 100,000. Bulgaria remains the only EU country where cancer mortality continues to rise.
“The problem in Bulgaria is systemic—a lack of preventive care, low awareness, and delayed diagnosis. LungX can help fill part of this gap by initiating a conversation between the patient and the healthcare provider. It’s a small step that can make a big difference,” noted Dr. Svilen Penev, Oncology Director at MSD Bulgaria.
The questionnaire uses an automated chatbot that guides the user through a series of questions, adapted to their individual responses. Based on these, the system generates a personalized analysis that provides guidance on whether it is advisable to seek medical advice. Completion takes only a few minutes, requires no medical knowledge, and is completely anonymous.
The goal of LungX is not to provide diagnoses, but to raise awareness and concern for health—especially among people in high-risk groups. It is an easy and accessible way for an initial self-assessment, encouraging people to pay attention to symptoms and not delay preventive check-ups.
Fill out the free LungX questionnaire and take a step toward better self-care.