Written Question · S6W-05600 · Session 6
Whether it plans to introduce a national lung cancer screening programme.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce a national lung cancer screening programme.
The answer
Any decision on whether or not to introduce a new national screening programme in Scotland is guided by the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent expert advisory group which advises all four nations of the United Kingdom on screening policy.
In 2007, the UK NSC recommended against the introduction of a lung cancer screening programme; however, it is currently reviewing this and will take into account new evidence that has emerged since the previous recommendation.
We do not have a definite timescale for when the NSC will publish its findings, but we are expecting an update in the coming months.
Following completion of this review, the UK NSC will make a new recommendation. If the recommendation is to introduce lung cancer screening then the Scottish Screening Committee, in consultation with medical experts in this field, will advise Scottish Ministers on the most appropriate course of action for Scotland.
In 2007, the UK NSC recommended against the introduction of a lung cancer screening programme; however, it is currently reviewing this and will take into account new evidence that has emerged since the previous recommendation.
We do not have a definite timescale for when the NSC will publish its findings, but we are expecting an update in the coming months.
Following completion of this review, the UK NSC will make a new recommendation. If the recommendation is to introduce lung cancer screening then the Scottish Screening Committee, in consultation with medical experts in this field, will advise Scottish Ministers on the most appropriate course of action for Scotland.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-05600 by reference.