Lung-cancer screening for older people who have smoked

A NATIONAL lung-cancer screening programme is to be launched in Wales for anyone aged 55 to 74 who either smokes or has smoked in the past.

- By BRANWEN JONES

The Welsh Government said the screening will target people who are most at risk of developing lung cancer.

The programme will commence this year, with the first participants invited to the screening in 2027.

According to the Welsh Government, the screening programme will build on the existing population-based cancer screening programmes in Wales, with bowel cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer already taking place.

Health secretary Jeremy Miles announced the new policy at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, insisting that lung-cancer screening would "help turn the tide" on lung-cancer deaths in Wales and help more people survive.

Public Health Wales (PHW) was asked to advise on the rollout of a national lung screening programme after it was tested in Rhondda.