Lung cancer screening: learning from implementation

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Knowing that lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is effective is not the same as knowing how to deliver a screening programme that works. Designing eligibility criteria, reaching high-risk populations, integrating screening into existing care pathways, sustaining political and financial support – these are the challenges that determine whether evidence translates into impact.

Progress has been uneven between different countries and regions, but experience is accumulating. Health systems that have designed and implemented screening programmes have confronted these challenges and found ways through them. That experience is one of the most practical resources available to those planning programmes of their own.

What implementation evidence can offer

Learning from real-world screening programmes helps health systems:

understand how effective programmes are designed and delivered in practice
identify common implementation barriers and strategies for overcoming them
adapt approaches to local contexts, resources and health system structures
build a stronger foundation for planning, policy development and advocacy.

Our report

Our inaugural report brings together evidence and experience from countries at different stages of screening implementation, drawing out practical lessons. It addresses:

how eligibility criteria are tailored to local contexts and risk profiles
the role of targeted outreach in reaching high-risk populations
how screening can be integrated with other public health initiatives
how to embed screening within care pathways and health system governance.

The report is designed for health system leaders, policymakers and advocates working to establish, expand or strengthen lung cancer screening programmes.

'Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Screening using LDCT has been shown to save lives by finding lung cancer earlier in people who are at high risk. This report shares implementation best practices to help jurisdictions around the world implement lung cancer screening and save the lives of people with lung cancer and spare grief for their loved ones.'

ANDREA BORONDY KITTS, NETWORK MEMBER, RESCUE LUNG, RESCUE LIFE AND PROSUMER HEALTH

Report figures and tables

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Key lessons Table 1

Resources

What implementation evidence can offer

Our report

Report figures and tables