Almost four years ago, the UK National Screening Committee recommended that the whole of the UK introduce lung cancer screening, meaning early diagnosis and treatment saving thousands of lives. The programme is aimed at those who are high risk namely people aged between 55 and 74 and current or ex-smokers.
Lung cancer is the third most frequently occurring cause of death in Scotland (1) and is still the least survivable cancer, with symptoms not presenting until it is too late. Targeted screening therefore is essential to ensure patients have a chance to survive says the charity.
Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is also calling for any unexpected or unrelated abnormality found during the screening process to be investigated. This, the charity hopes, will help reduce the large number of people living with undiagnosed lung conditions such as COPD, helping to improve care and survival rates.
The roll out is already being implemented in England, and the Welsh Government has already committed to the scheme. However, it is unknown what the Scottish Government is doing to speed-up any rollout after it was revealed last year that a screening programme could take another “Seven to ten years for a full programme to be implemented” (2).
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said:
“With England celebrating success from its targeted lung cancer screening roll out and Wales ready to start theirs, Scotland is being left woefully behind.
“There is no doubt that a lung screening programme will not only save lives of people diagnosed with cancer, but it could also improve the diagnosis, treatment and care for those with other undiagnosed lung conditions such as COPD.
“Early diagnosis of all lung conditions is vital if we are to improve outcomes for thousands of people across Scotland living a daily existence fighting for breath.
“With a consensus from most of the political parties backing our call for a lung cancer screening rollout, we want to see a united front from across the political divide to ensure that this life saving programme is not sidelined again once the new Scottish Government is in place. We cannot wait any longer - lives depend on it.”
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