Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is one of eight cancer charities and organisations with a stake in the diagnosis, treatment and support of lung cancer patients to sign an open letter addressed to the Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan MS calling for lung cancer screening.
On 26th June, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, announced a targeted screening programme for lung cancer in England. However, it is down to the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish health ministers to implement similar programmes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The letter, drafted by Welsh cancer charity, Tenovus Cancer Care, calls on the Welsh Government to commit to developing and rolling out a targeted lung cancer screening programme across Wales. It will be published in both Western Mail and the Daily Post as well as on Wales Online.
Paula Chadwick is the chief executive for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation:
“Whilst the announcement for lung cancer screening back in June was a huge step forward, there remains much work to do to improve the early detection of lung cancer. Ensuring the roll out of screening in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is at the top of that list.
“It is vital that as many people as possible have access to screening, so we are proud to put our name to this letter and call on the Welsh Government to give people the best chance of an early and life saving diagnosis.
“The evidence is there. Lung cancer screening saves lives, and the people of Wales should not be deprived access to something that has the potential to significantly improve the early detection of the UK’s biggest cancer killer.”
A copy of the letter can be viewed here
