Public Health Wales welcomes plans for a national lung screening programme, which will enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of cancers and ultimately save lives.

The Welsh Government’s decision to introduce screening for current and former smokers aged 55-74 comes after advice it received in March from Public Health Wales.

The service will be rolled out in phases, with those at the upper end of the eligible age range being invited first. The first participants are expected to be invited for screening in 2027.

Public Health Wales was asked to advise on the rollout of a national lung screening programme after it was tested in North Rhondda.

The pilot, which was delivered by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board in partnership with the Cancer Network, saw 600 scans take place. This led to the diagnosis of 12 lung cancers, two-thirds of which were detected at an early stage.