The fifth edition of the European Code Against Cancer has made recommendations that lung cancer should have an organised screening programme.
For the first time, the European Code Against Cancer, which provides evidence-based guidance to help reduce cancer risk in Europe, has issued clear guidance supporting organised lung cancer screening. Published on 21 October 2025 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Code offers evidence-based advice for policymakers across Europe. Lung cancer screening is now recommended in the same way as breast, cervical and bowel screening.
Members of the ELF Lung Cancer Patient Advisory Group have strongly welcomed this decision.
Debra Montague, president of Lung Cancer Europe (LuCE) said:
“This is a landmark, evidence‑based advance for public health in Europe. For too long lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death across our continent; recognising screening in the Code acknowledges both the preventable nature of many deaths from lung cancer and the clear benefit of early detection through low‑dose CT for people at highest risk.”
Another member, Ivica Belina, from Coalition of Associations in Healthcare in Croatia, welcomed the recognition of the importance of prevention in lung cancer care and said:
“I deeply believe that early detection of cancer makes a huge difference in cancer care outcomes… Investments in prevention can make a much stronger impact in survivorship and quality of life and ease the burden of cancer for the patients and their carers.
“Including lung cancer in the code can really change the lung cancer pathways for healthcare professionals, patients and entire societies.”
Janette Rawlinson praised the inclusion, but recognised that the recommendations are only the start:
“Having been involved in lung cancer screening initiatives since 2014, the progress we have seen in a relatively short space of time has taken huge effort by many people dedicated to improving lung cancer patient outcomes.
“We can learn a lot from existing national screening programmes… I look forward to seeing lung screening introduced to many European citizens in the coming years.”
Terry Kavanagh said:
“As a long-term survivor of lung cancer, my anger grows with every statistic I read about ‘should we or shouldn’t we’ implement a European screening program. Everyone knows that early detection leads to early diagnosis… Screening is something that must happen, it will save lives.”
The European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5) consists of 14 evidence-based recommendations designed to help people reduce their risk of cancer across Europe. These cover lifestyle choices, such as avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, as well as environmental and policy measures, including improving air quality and reducing exposure to harmful substances.
For the first time, the Code also addresses both individuals and policymakers, highlighting the shared responsibility for cancer prevention and encouraging actions that support healthier communities across Europe.
ELF recognises that prevention is key when it comes to lung cancer, that is why we continue to take an active role in projects such as SOLACE and OPTIMA.
The EU-funded SOLACE project is supporting the roll of lung cancer screening programmes in Europe. Find out more about how these programmes can help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage.
Lungs Europe, a partnership between ELF and the European Respiratory Society, leads on SOLACE’s dissemination and outreach activities.
Read the full recommendations made in the European Code Against Cancer here.
