No Time to Lose: Integrated Rapid Referral Pathways for Lung Cancer
A POSITION STATEMENT | AUGUST 2026
Too many people across Europe are waiting too long to move from suspected lung cancer to diagnosis and treatment. Delays can happen at every stage, from a first consultation and referral to specialist assessment, diagnostic testing and the start of treatment.
This position statement calls for every EU Member State to have a coordinated rapid referral pathway that connects primary, secondary and tertiary care, so people with suspected lung cancer do not face avoidable delays.
It sets out five recommendations, drawing on evidence from countries where faster pathways have already reduced waiting times.
Key Points
Our position
Involve GPs from the beginning in designing and running urgent referral pathways.
Establish specialist fast-track clinics with rapid access to diagnostics and treatment.
Implement lung cancer screening across Europe.
Integrate patient-reported outcomes throughout the pathway.
Improve data infrastructure and publicly report waiting times.
