EU guidelines on lung cancer screening and diagnosis

14.7.2015

Question for written answer P-011298-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Philippe Juvin (PPE)

Lung cancer is the most fatal form of cancer in Europe, accounting for approximately 20% of total cancer deaths. In most of the cases, the disease is diagnosed at a late stage and no longer curable. However, recent studies on lung cancer screening raise hopes of reducing the number of fatal cases.

Following these new developments, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR) published a joint white paper on lung cancer screening. They recommend comprehensive lung cancer screening programmes for high-risk individuals which should be performed in certified multidisciplinary medical centres, together with strong smoking-cessation programmes.

The implementation of EU guidelines in this area would show the unique role the European Union can play in ensuring the efficient delivery of safe and effective services aimed at maintaining and improving the health of Europe’s citizens.

Given the above ERS/ESR recommendations and that EU guidelines on screening and diagnosis already exist for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, does the Commission intend to support EU guidelines on lung cancer screening and diagnosis?