The Welsh government has confirmed plans to introduce a national lung cancer screening programme aimed at people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke.
The initiative, set to begin in phases from 2027, is expected to significantly improve early detection rates and save lives—particularly in communities where lung cancer deaths are most prevalent.
The first screening invitations will be sent to the oldest in the eligible age bracket, with the programme expanding gradually to ensure the NHS can manage the increased demand. Mobile CT scanning units will be deployed as part of the scheme, which also includes access to smoking cessation support for participants.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in Wales, with smoking remaining the biggest risk factor. One of the biggest challenges in tackling the disease is its late diagnosis—symptoms often only emerge once the cancer has already spread.
Heather Lewis of Public Health Wales (PHW) highlighted the urgent need for earlier diagnosis: “We know that lung cancer is frequently found too late for effective treatment. Screening gives us a crucial window to identify it sooner, when therapies are more likely to succeed.”
PHW also emphasised the potential for the programme to reduce health inequalities. People living in more deprived areas of Wales face significantly higher lung cancer mortality rates, making early detection even more vital.
The screening rollout follows a successful pilot in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board region, where 600 people were screened and 12 lung cancer cases were identified—two-thirds of which were caught at an early stage.
Health Secretary Jeremy Miles confirmed that, in addition to lung cancer, the programme will also include checks for other lung conditions such as COPD. The estimated annual cost of running the full screening service is around £13 million.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, is delighted by the news: “This is a hugely positive step for Wales and one we have long campaigned for. Since the National Screening Committee first recommended the introduction of lung cancer screening, we’ve been calling for its rollout across all four nations of the UK.
“Over the past six years, we’ve worked closely with NHS England to promote screening uptake and ensure more people are diagnosed at an earlier, more treatable stage. We are now ready to offer the same support to Public Health Wales and play our part in saving lives across the country.”