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Written question asked by Peter Prinsley (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026. It was answered by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Lung Cancer: Screening

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme to improve the earlier diagnosis of chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD.

Answer

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is designed to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage in people at high risk of developing the disease.

The Government is advised on all screening matters by the independent UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). At its most recent review in June 2022, the UK NSC recommended targeted lung cancer screening for people aged 55 to 74 years old who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. The modelling that informed this recommendation did not include chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

NHS England has introduced a national Incidental Findings Protocol to ensure clinically significant incidental findings are referred for appropriate investigation and follow-up through established National Health Service pathways.

In April 2026, the UK NSC concluded a three-month public consultation on screening for COPD. The outcome of this consultation will be published in due course. In addition, the UK NSC's annual open call for new evidence and proposals for screening programmes is currently open until 30 September 2026, providing an opportunity for individuals and organisations to submit proposals supported by evidence.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18823
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Diagnosis Screening Lung cancer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk