Welsh Government Plans Lung Cancer Screening for Smokers 2027

The Welsh Government has announced a phased rollout of a national lung cancer screening programme starting in 2027 for current and former smokers aged 55 to 74, aiming to detect lung cancer earlier and improve survival rates. The programme, Wales' fourth population-based cancer screening initiative, will use mobile low dose computed tomography (LDCT) chest scans and include support for smoking cessation to reduce future risk. This initiative follows successful pilot schemes, which screened 600 individuals and detected 12 lung cancer cases, two-thirds at an early stage when treatment is more effective. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles highlighted that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Wales, with smoking as the main cause, and the programme will cost around £13 million annually. It will also include protocols for managing incidental findings such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the rollout will prioritize the oldest eligible individuals first. Approximately 14.1% of the Welsh population smoked as of 2022, underscoring the programme’s potential impact, especially in deprived areas with higher lung cancer mortality rates.