Proposed lung cancer screening program ‘a complex arrangement’
The RACGP is ‘cautiously’ supportive of a lung cancer screening program for high-risk populations, according to its latest submission to the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC). Aimed at supporting earlier detection of lung cancer, it has been proposed that a National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) use low-dose tomography (LDCT) to assess high-risk individuals, such as smokers and ex-smokers. Screening will be every two years for participants in the program, or until a lesion requiring management is identified. All entrants will also require a referral form for LDCT completed by a GP or other eligible practitioner. While the RACGP has indicated cautious support for the new program, it is concerned about overdiagnosis and the role of GPs.
Professor Mark Morgan, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care, told newsGP while he is supportive of the NLCSP, it is a ‘hugely complex task’ to introduce a new screening program. Professor Morgan also says the proposed model of using an individualised risk calculator to judge patient suitability means it would ideally need to be incorporated in general practice software to ensure it can be used seamlessly within normal workflows.