Former and current smokers targeted for crucial cancer screening

If you are 55 years and above and have ever smoked in your life, you might soon be eligible for free lung cancer screening. The UK National Screening Committee (UKNCS) is advising government to roll out the checks across the United Kingdom to help with early detection and treatment of the cancer.

Deadly cancer

The UK NSC which advises ministers and the NHS about screening, said the proposed program should target current and former smokers between 55 and 74 years. According to the group of experts, the targeted population, considered to be at high risk of lung cancer, should be invited by a medic for a low dose CT scan.

Presently, some 47,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year, out of which 34,700 die, according to The Sun. In fact, it is the common cause of cancer death in the four UK countries. Cancer Research UK says:

The initial assessment will involve a health professional asking some questions to determine if someone is at a high risk of lung cancer. If they are, they will then be offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs.

Not for everyone

Numerous studies have shown that testing for lung cancer reduces death in people with a history of smoking. On the other hand, people who have never smoked have much lower risk of lung cancer, so they are unlikely to benefit from screening as much as smokers.

Cancer Research UK also adds that because of the harms associated with lung screening, it is best to direct screening efforts towards a targeted population. These harms include:

…exposure to small amounts of radiation from the test itself, false positives (where a potential cancer is incorrectly found and leads to unnecessary follow-up procedures) and false negatives (where the test misses a cancer).

The UK NSC advice if implemented, will help reduce lung cancer deaths.

Sources used:

Cancer Research UK: New targeted lung cancer screening programme on the horizon

The Sun: Urgent warning to anyone over 55 who has ever smoked to get vital check

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