“We know that lung cancer screening programmes save lives."
The Irish Cancer Society is urging the Government to add lung screening to the list of Ireland's screening programmes in a bid to save more lives.
Lung cancer was the third most common form of cancer in Ireland in 2021, with around 2,690 estimated cases diagnosed each year.
Nearly 2,000 people in Ireland each year die from lung cancer, more than any other form of the disease.
According to the Irish Cancer Society, lung cancer is generally diagnosed at the later stage of the disease.
An earlier diagnosis could provide patients with a higher 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.
This group was selected as they were the ones most at risk to being diagnosed with the disease.
9 in 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking.
“Today we are calling for Ireland to become one of the first countries in the in the world to introduce lung cancer screening for this group, given the mounting international evidence of its effectiveness," Irish Cancer Society Director of Advocacy Rachel Morrogh said.
“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 agreed echoed Rachel Morrogh's sentiments.
“We know that lung cancer screening programmes save lives. Several high-impact clinical trials have shown this, and led to implementation of lung cancer screening in the US and other countries," Dr Naidoo said.
"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."
The symptoms for lung cancer can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- A cough that doesn’t go away or a change in a long-term cough
- Repeated chest infections that won’t go away, even after antibiotics
- Feeling more tired than usual
- A hoarse voice
- Coughing up blood-stained phlegm
- Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in
- Loss of appetite / weight loss
- Swelling around your face and neck
- Difficulty swallowing
You can find more information about lung cancer via the
Irish Cancer Society's website, or by contacting the Irish Cancer Society Freephone Support Line on: 1800 200 700 / SupportLine@IrishCancer.ie.
