Extension of Lung Cancer Screening Recommendation Guidelines to Cover More Individuals

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will consider extending the lung cancer screening recommendation guidelines to cover non-smokers and those with a family history of lung cancer; (b) whether lung cancer screening will be subsidised; and (c) whether there are plans to raise public awareness on the importance of lung cancer screening.

Screening tests are recommended based on scientific evidence of their effectiveness and the potential benefits and harms. Lung cancer screening is conducted through Low-dose Computerised Tomography (LDCT). Use of this test has to be balanced against unnecessary exposure to radiation and the financial cost of screening.

As such, LDCT screening is only recommended for very heavy smokers or ex-smokers, who are at high-risk of lung cancer. LDCT screening for lung cancer is not recommended for the general population, nor for non-smokers and those with a family history of lung cancer.

Today, LDCT scans are ordered if needed, during Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) consultations. Patients who are referred to SOCs and are assessed to require LDCT scans are eligible for means-tested subsidies.