LHC Trial

Co-led by Professor Patrick Redmond, the Beaumont RCSI Irish Cancer Society Lung Health Check pilot was launched in May 2025. This two-year, community-based implementation trial will evaluate the feasibility of targeted lung cancer screening in primary care, enrolling over 2,000 participants aged 55–74 from 19 Centric Health GP practices across North Dublin and the North-East.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Ireland, and there is currently no national screening programme. This pilot employs risk-based selection (PLCOm2012 and LLPv3) and low-dose CT (LDCT) to detect cancer earlier in high-risk individuals. Eligible patients are identified via GP electronic health records and triaged through structured telephone risk assessments, with those meeting the risk threshold invited to attend a Lung Health Check at mobile units based in local GAA clubs.

Each appointment includes a structured respiratory assessment, spirometry, optional biomarker collection, LDCT, and an offer of a smoking cessation support. Suspected cancers are referred directly to Rapid Access Lung Clinics in Beaumont Hospital or Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda. Clinical pathways have also been developed for pulmonary and non-pulmonary incidental findings to streamline management for participants and practices.

PRiCAN is supporting multiple aspects of this initiative, the largest single investment in lung cancer research in Ireland, which offers a scalable, GP-integrated model for lung cancer screening. The pilot also supports chronic disease case-finding (such as COPD) and preventive care, reinforcing the expanding role of academic general practice in cancer control and implementation science.

Learn more at lunghealthcheck.ie