Making lung cancer screening fair and accessible across Europe

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Europe because it is often diagnosed at a late stage, when signs and symptoms are already present. Early detection through screening can save lives, yet access remains unequal. Where you live, your income, gender or background should not determine whether you are offered a chance to catch lung cancer early.

At SOLACE, we’re working to close this gap. Our aim is simple: to ensure that everyone who is eligible for lung cancer screening has the opportunity to access it.

What does inclusive lung cancer screening look like?

Dr Anna Kerpel-Fronius, SOLACE Project Scientific Coordinator, shares a clear message: lung cancer screening should be available to everyone who is eligible, no matter their background or where they live. Watch:

Reaching those often left behind

Lung cancer screening programmes across Europe have often failed to include key groups. We are working directly with local communities to remove barriers to access. 

This includes providing culturally relevant materials, collaborating with trusted leaders and supporting people in remote areas or those facing socioeconomic disadvantages. So far, we have:

• Engaged over 9,000 women in screening, helping to address gender disparities
• Reached 5,000 people from underserved or hard-to-reach communities
• Included more than 3,000 individuals with existing lung conditions in screening

These efforts show that screening can be delivered inclusively when services are designed with equity in mind.

SOLACE is helping to demonstrate that lung cancer screening can be scaled up successfully and fairly. To do this across Europe, political commitment and investment are essential.

Access resources on inclusive lung cancer screening recruitment