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Lung cancer screening programme trial for Scotland | Lung cancer screening programme trial for Scotland |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Ten thousand smokers in Scotland are to take part in a trial screening programme for lung cancer. | Ten thousand smokers in Scotland are to take part in a trial screening programme for lung cancer. |
The trial will involve people who have smoked at least 20 a day for more than 20 years, who are most at risk. | The trial will involve people who have smoked at least 20 a day for more than 20 years, who are most at risk. |
They will have a simple blood test that detects cancer at its earliest stages of development. | They will have a simple blood test that detects cancer at its earliest stages of development. |
The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Sir Harry Burns, said currently most people were not diagnosed until the disease had reached an advanced stage. | The Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Sir Harry Burns, said currently most people were not diagnosed until the disease had reached an advanced stage. |
Half of the 10,000 people will get a blood test which can identify cancer up to five years before it would be detected in other ways, and the other half will not be screened. | Half of the 10,000 people will get a blood test which can identify cancer up to five years before it would be detected in other ways, and the other half will not be screened. |
Early identification greatly improves the chances of survival. | Early identification greatly improves the chances of survival. |
Scotland has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world, with fewer than 9% of patients still alive five years after diagnosis. | Scotland has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world, with fewer than 9% of patients still alive five years after diagnosis. |
The screening programme will begin before the end of the year and the first results are expected in 2014. | The screening programme will begin before the end of the year and the first results are expected in 2014. |
Common cause | Common cause |
Sir Harry said: "The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance it can be treated successfully, and currently 85% of patients with lung cancer remain undiagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. | Sir Harry said: "The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance it can be treated successfully, and currently 85% of patients with lung cancer remain undiagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. |
"This pilot project is part of our Detect Cancer Early programme, which aims to increase the early detection of cancer by 25%. | "This pilot project is part of our Detect Cancer Early programme, which aims to increase the early detection of cancer by 25%. |
"By testing those at greatest risk of developing lung cancer, and diagnosing it at its earliest possible stage, we stand a better chance of being able to treat the cancer successfully. | "By testing those at greatest risk of developing lung cancer, and diagnosing it at its earliest possible stage, we stand a better chance of being able to treat the cancer successfully. |
"This means patients can be treated when their general health is better and when less aggressive treatment may be required than if the cancer had spread." | "This means patients can be treated when their general health is better and when less aggressive treatment may be required than if the cancer had spread." |
Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer-related death globally, and in the US kills 160,000 people a year - more than breast, colon and prostate cancers put together. | Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer-related death globally, and in the US kills 160,000 people a year - more than breast, colon and prostate cancers put together. |
Scotland accounts for 16% of cases of lung cancer in the UK, much higher than its proportion of the British population. | Scotland accounts for 16% of cases of lung cancer in the UK, much higher than its proportion of the British population. |
Dr Keith Prowse, honorary medical spokesperson for the British Lung Foundation (BLF) said: "Survival rates for lung cancer in the UK are alarmingly low with approximately 29% of patients still alive after only one year. | |
"Detecting lung cancer early means a patient can be operated on and will increase their chance of survival." | |
He added: "This is a very exciting trial which we hope can be rolled out across the UK." |
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