A lung health screening project has detected 31 cancers in its first year, with over 14,000 participants taking part, according to a presentation at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Conference in Dublin. The initiative, which uses low-dose CT scans, aims to identify early-stage lung cancers in high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers.
Dr. John Smith, a consultant respiratory physician at Beaumont Hospital, told delegates that the program has been successful in catching cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage. 'We have detected 31 cancers, of which the majority were stage I or II, significantly improving survival chances,' he said. The project is part of a broader national effort to reduce lung cancer mortality in Ireland.
The screening is offered to individuals aged 55 to 74 with a significant smoking history. Participants undergo a low-dose CT scan, which can detect nodules or abnormalities that may indicate cancer. The program has also identified other lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in some participants.
Further analysis of the data is ongoing, with plans to expand the program to additional sites across the country. The conference, held on May 25-26, 2026, highlighted the importance of early detection in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.
