Lung cancer claims nearly 2,000 lives each year.

Now health experts are rowing in behind a call to add lung screening to Ireland’s list of cancer screening programmes.

Despite the fact that it claims more lives than any other form of cancer, lung cancer is a disease that is often only caught in the later stages of illness. Picking it up early is key to giving patients the best chance of survival.

In its submission to the National Screening Advisory Committee for the new programme, the Irish Cancer Society has proposed that lung screening involving a CT scan be rolled out to current or former smokers aged 50-74, given this group is most at risk from the disease.

A world first

“Today we are calling for Ireland to become one of the first countries in the world to introduce lung cancer screening for this group, given the mounting international evidence of its effectiveness,” said Irish Cancer Society Director of Advocacy Rachel Morrogh.

“We have seen the huge impact that other screening programmes have made in this country, picking up substantially more cancers earlier and ultimately saving lives.

“We know from previous research that a quarter of all lung cancers are diagnosed in emergency departments – often at later stages – and it is a disease that inordinately affects those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. A lung cancer screening programme for Ireland is badly needed to save lives, and to address health inequalities that continue to exist in our society.”

Beaumont Hospital Thoracic Oncologist Dr. Jarushka Naidoo said that several high-impact clinical trials have led to the implementation of lung cancer screening in the US and other countries.

“Lung cancer screening is often most successful when provided as part of a comprehensive early detection program, or ‘lung health check,’ where other lung findings can also be managed, and support given to stop smoking when it is relevant.” Dr Naidoo added.