First curative lung cancer surgeries undertaken in pilot programme

The first curative lung cancer surgeries connected to the Lung Health Check pilot programme have taken place in recent months, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

The €4.9 million lung cancer pilot programme is funded by the Society.

The Lung Health Check is an initiative led by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre that was launched last year.

This clinical trial, in collaboration with specific GP practices in North Dublin and the North East region, invited individuals at a high risk of developing lung cancer to attend community-based mobile scanning units for lung health checks.

Currently, six in every 10 lung cancer diagnoses are detected at late stage, when it is harder to treat. 

Thoracic surgeon at St James’s Hospital, Mr Gary Fitzmaurice, who operated on several of the patients identified through the Lung Health Check pilot, said the programme is already demonstrating its value by identifying cancers before symptoms appear, allowing patients to access curative treatment.

He added that the major impact of the pilot is that cancers which would normally be detected at a late stage are instead found at a much earlier point.

 “We’re identifying people who have very early lung cancer who have absolutely no symptoms and without a CT scan would not have been detected,” said Mr Fitzmaurice.  “That gives them the big advantage of having all the potential options for curative intent treatment and the best chance of long-term cure.”

Prof Daniel Ryan, Respiratory Consultant at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and Clinical Lead of the Lung Health Check Pilot, said: “Lung cancer kills more Irish people every year than any other cancer, mainly because it is diagnosed late when it is difficult to treat. This pilot programme is saving lives by detecting cancer early.”

“Leading a mobile lung health check in the community is a major step forward for lung cancer care in Ireland, and we are proud to have initiated this work in Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre. This pilot is breaking down barriers that have long stood in the way of early detection of lung cancer, bringing together partners across the healthcare system. The support from the Irish Cancer Society, and our collaboration with Centric Health GP practices, Alliance Medical Diagnostic Imaging, and the GAA clubs in the region, is ultimately saving lives.”