{
  "id": 19126835,
  "title": "Call for roll-out of lung cancer screening programme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/call-for-roll-out-of-lung-cancer-screening-programme",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-09T09:25:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/1109/1598496-lung-cancer-screening/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Irish Cancer Society is advocating for the nationwide implementation of a lung cancer screening programme. Chief Executive Nikki Gallagher highlighted that a successful pilot scheme, spearheaded by Beaumont RCSI cancer centre, has demonstrated the feasibility of early detection. The pilot program contacted approximately 10,000 individuals through their general practitioners, targeting ex-smokers aged 55 to 74. Out of this group, around 2,500 were invited for a scan, and 40 asymptomatic individuals were found to have early-stage lung cancer. Gallagher emphasized the rarity of such early detection, noting that many of these patients have already undergone successful treatment. Lung cancer claims more Irish lives than any other type of cancer, and the pilot program could offer hope to others involved in the project. Gallagher stressed that most people do not realize they have lung cancer until it has progressed to stages two or three, making it challenging to treat. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and is also more cost-effective for the state. The economic modeling suggests that the state spends around €120 million annually on lung cancer treatment. She urged individuals who consider themselves to be in a high-risk group to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent cough, frequent infections, or chest pains, and to consult their GP or contact the Irish Cancer Society support line at 1800 200 700.",
  "summary": "The Irish Cancer Society has called for a national lung cancer screening programme to be rolled out.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}