Calls Grow for Nationwide Lung Cancer Screening as 10,000 Take Part in Pilot

Published 2026-11-09

Health experts are calling for lung cancer screening to be introduced across the country after a pilot project involving around 10,000 people. The pilot is designed to find signs of lung cancer early, when treatment is often more effective. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland, and it is often diagnosed at a late stage, which can make it harder to treat.

Screening usually means checking people who do not have any symptoms, so that cancer can be found at an earlier point. For lung cancer, screening is generally offered to people who are at higher risk, such as long-term smokers or former smokers. The pilot project has allowed health services to test how screening works in practice, including how many people take part and how the results are followed up.

Supporters of a national programme say that a wider service could save lives and reduce the pressure on hospitals later on. They argue that the pilot has shown there is strong public interest in screening. Some people, however, have raised questions about the cost of a full programme, the number of staff and scanning equipment needed, and how to make sure that people from all parts of the country can access the service.

The Irish Medical Times reported that the calls for a nationwide programme are likely to continue as the results of the pilot are studied. Any decision on a national service would depend on the health authorities and the government, who would need to consider the evidence and the resources available. Members of the public who are concerned about their risk are advised to speak to their GP.

Sources: Irish Medical Times

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