What is the current situation in your country, in terms of lung cancer screening?
As of July 2024, the German government has officially allowed lung cancer screening in Germany, thanks to the Lung Cancer Early Detection Ordinance (Lungenkrebs-Früherkennungs-Verordnung). From now, service providers can apply to receive permission to offer lung cancer screening. The exact procedures are still under discussion. For the time being, individuals will have to pay for LCS. In parallel, the Federal Joint Committee is preparing regulations on how LCS will be covered by health insurance in the near future. You can read the press release here: Lung Cancer Early Detection Ordinance.
What do you hope to achieve with SOLACE and what your message would be to other countries?
The SOLACE consortium is a pan-European, multidisciplinary network of experts in respiratory health and radiology, all united by a common goal: to advance the implementation of lung cancer screening across Europe. We aim to strengthen existing programs and support the development of new national screening initiatives. Our message to other countries is clear—let us support you in overcoming the challenges and hurdles involved in establishing a lung cancer screening program!
What is your role and contribution to the project?
As one of the two scientific coordinators of SOLACE, UKHD plays a key role in all aspects of the project. We have been leading discussions on balancing the benefits and harms of screening and will also be responsible for overseeing the collection and management of data from ongoing SOLACE lung cancer screening initiatives.
Why SOLACE is important to you?
SOLACE is important because it aims to make lung cancer screening widely available across Europe, ensuring that all high-risk individuals have equitable access to early detection. This project not only seeks to improve geographical coverage but also to address disparities in access to life-saving screening programmes.
This project is co-funded under the EU4Health Programme 2021–2027 under grant agreement no. 101101187. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
