Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. While lung cancer screening (LCS) reduces mortality by 20%, adopting international models isn’t ideal due to Ireland’s unique healthcare landscape and demographics. This study will use national data to create tailored LCS recommendations for Ireland.
Objectives: To harness TILDA and CSO data to pinpoint optimal LCS eligibility criteria in Ireland and model LCS benefits and costs using National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) data.
Methods:
WP1 – Eligibility Criteria: We will refine LCS criteria using TILDA data, assessing lung cancer incidence predictions against empirical findings.
WP2 – Screening Uptake Estimation: We aim to determine the potential LCS candidates in Ireland, regionally, using TILDA’s clinical data and CSO demographics.
WP3 – Modelling Clinical Effects: Adapting a pre-existing LCS model with NCRI data, we’ll compare scenarios with and without LCS, quantifying detected cancers, their stages, medical interventions, screening-associated harms, and implications of incidental findings.
WP4 – Cost-Utility Analysis: Assessing the economic feasibility of LCS in Ireland, we’ll analyse its costs and benefits in QALYs. Sensitivity analyses will evaluate the influence of varied eligibility criteria and other key parameters.
Implications: This research is pivotal for Ireland’s LCS future, offering policy-makers evidence-based eligibility recommendations. It will also project the clinical and economic outcomes of an LCS programme in Ireland, essential for addressing this high-risk health issue.