France commits to nationwide lung cancer screening by 2030

On World Cancer Day (4 February), France’s Health Minister Stéphanie Rist announced plans for a lung cancer screening programme by 2030. 

France already has screening programmes for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, but lung cancer, which causes more deaths than any other cancer in the country, is not yet among them. The research phase aims to lay the groundwork for changing that.

Professor Marie-Pierre Revel, SOLACE project lead for France and Head of the Radiology Department at Cochin Hospital in Paris, welcomed the announcement:

“As the PI of this project, I’m encouraged by France’s commitment to lung cancer screening, though it’s important to note this is a research initiative with 20,000 participants rather than immediate nationwide implementation. Large-scale, population-based screening will not occur before 2030.

“This timeline allows us to first demonstrate the quality and safety of lung cancer screening, ensuring we minimise false positives and complications from diagnostic work-ups. The research phase also gives us an opportunity to prospectively test AI technologies and ultra-low-dose CT scanning, which will help us optimise our screening protocols and potentially improve outcomes.

“In line with SOLACE’s recommendations, we are incorporating a range of strategies to reach underrepresented populations from the outset.”

Learn more about: France’s experience of engaging women in lung cancer screening