A lung cancer screening programme, similar to breast cancer screening, could launch in England as early as 2017, according to a new report.
The new cancer strategy, Achieving World Class Cancer Outcomes: A Strategy for England 2015–2020, revealed the news when it was published on Sunday 19 July.
Outcomes
The report noted that results from a number of lung cancer screening studies in high risk people (smokers and ex-smokers) are due in 2016. It went on to call for a screening programme to be implemented within 12 months if the studies find screening to be effective.
The report states: “Public Health England should be ready to pilot lung or ovarian screening within 12 months of a significant positive mortality outcome and cost-effectiveness evidence from studies currently under way, together with a plan for subsequent national roll-out.”
Our thoughts
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said:
“Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the UK. As this report shows, we still lag behind many other countries in how well we diagnose and treat it.
“I fully support the recommendations in the new strategy. They could save the lives of many people who currently die because doctors diagnose lung cancer too late.
“I am especially pleased with the focus on lung cancer screening. If current studies show that screening saves lives, I will campaign to introduce a programme as quickly as possible.
“Doing nothing is not an option. We must work together to make England world-class in cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival.”
The report also called for more resources to tackle smoking, the main cause of lung cancer. It urged further national awareness campaigns to help people recognise symptoms earlier.
It highlighted the need to end the postcode lottery of care. In some areas, only 6% of lung cancer patients receive surgery, compared with 31% in others.