Transparency data

2024 annual call topic proposals

Updated 22 September 2025

The UK NSC received a total of 26 proposals in 2024. A high-level collated summary of these proposals and UK NSC decisions is below. 

Automated retinal image analysis systems in the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme 

UK NSC decision: commission further work 

The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further consideration and that further work should be commissioned. 

Bowel cancer programme technology modifications 

UK NSC decision: complete evidence map 

The submission was to incorporate an additional triage test in the bowel cancer screening pathway. The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further consideration and that an evidence map should be commissioned. 

Breast density awareness 

UK NSC decision: existing work ongoing 

This was a proposal to provide information regarding breast density to people attending breast screening. The UK NSC is currently conducting an evidence summary on risk-adapted breast imaging in population breast cancer screening programmes. The results of the evidence summary will inform the next UK NSC decision on the modification of the current breast screening programme 

Cancer screening programme for UK firefighters 

UK NSC decision: not within the scope of the UK NSC 

It was agreed that this topic was not within the scope of the UK NSC because this programme would fall within the remit of occupational health and not nationally delivered by the NHS. 

Cervical screening programme technology modifications 

UK NSC decision: commission evidence maps 

Five submissions were received related to changes to the cervical screening programme. Two related to using digital cytology and AI to detect abnormal changes in the lining of the cervix. One was to incorporate an additional triage test in the pathway. One was to integrate extended HPV genotyping. The committee agreed that these four topics would benefit from further consideration and that evidence maps should be commissioned. A fifth submission related to integrating self-sampling into cervical screening. This is already under consideration by the UK NSC. 

Childhood lead screening 

UK NSC decision: refer to the UK NSC Research and Methodology Group 

Two submissions were received on this topic. One related to a biomonitoring protocol for at-home childhood lead screening. One requested the existing evidence map be updated. The committee agreed that this study and topic would be useful for the UK NSC Research Methodology Group to discuss and recommended the proposer submits details of the study there. Following this, further work may be commissioned. 

Early detection of rare diseases 

UK NSC decision: existing work ongoing 

This submission related to the screening of newborn babies for rare diseases.  This is within the remit of the UK NSC and there are various activities ongoing related to this topic.  

Elevated lipoprotein(a) screening in patients at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease 

UK NSC decision: refer to NICE 

It was agreed this was outside the UK NSC remit and should be referred to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for consideration on the assessment and management of high Lp(a) as part of CVD risk assessment. 

Hepatocellular carcinoma screening for people with liver cirrhosis 

UK NSC decision: refer to NHS England 

It was agreed this was outside the UK NSC remit and should be referred to NHS England. 

Incidental findings of interstitial lung disease and abnormalities in the Targeted Lung Health Check Programme 

UK NSC decision: refer request to the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme team 

This is a request for the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme to incorporate guidance for both clinicians and patients that addresses incidental findings such as interstitial lung abnormalities within the incidental Findings protocol. It was noted that the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme team is developing guidance on incidental findings and the request should be referred to them. 

Infantile hydrocephalus screening 

UK NSC decision: refer to NICE and SIGN 

The UK NSC agreed that as this relates to existing guidance, the proposal should be submitted to NICE and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) for consideration. 

Inherited cardiac conditions 

UK NSC decision: complete evidence map 

This submission proposed a targeted screening programme for inherited cardiac conditions. The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further consideration and that an evidence map should be commissioned. 

Lowering the age of bowel cancer screening for people with a learning disability 

UK NSC decision: commission an evidence map 

The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further consideration and that an evidence map should be commissioned. 

Modification to the very high-risk breast cancer screening programme 

UK NSC decision: further information required 

This is a proposal for a programme modification to be made to the very high risk breast cancer screening programme to invite recipients of total body irradiation. It was agreed further information from the submitter was required before further decisions can be made. 

Musculoskeletal pathologies screening in children 

UK NSC decision: referred to NICE and SIGN 

The UK NSC agreed that more published evidence on the effectiveness of the technology in achieving the health outcomes referred to in the submission is required and as the proposal is in relation to a new test, suggested the proposal is submitted to NICE and SIGN for consideration. 

Pancreatic cancer screening 

UK NSC decision: complete evidence map 

The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further consideration and that an evidence map should be commissioned. 

Screening programme for people who have received cancer treatment in the form of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy 

UK NSC decision: further information required 

It was agreed further information from the submitter was required before a decision is taken on whether this is within the remit of the UK NSC. 

Sudden cardiac death in young people engaging in organised sport 

UK NSC decision: complete evidence map as part of the regular review on sudden cardiac death. 

The proposal is for a cardiac health screening programme for 14 to 35-year-olds with or without family history of sudden cardiac death engaging in organised sport through grassroots sports clubs. The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further investigation and should be considered within the evidence map scheduled for sudden cardiac death. 

Third trimester rescreening for infectious diseases in pregnancy 

UK NSC decision: commission further work 

The committee agreed that this topic would benefit from further consideration and that further work should be commissioned. 

Type 1 Diabetes  

UK NSC decision: further information required 

This was a proposal to screen for Type 1 Diabetes prior to the appearance of symptoms. It was agreed that further information from the submitter was required before a decision is taken on whether this is within the remit of the UK NSC. 

Vasa praevia 

UK NSC decision: continue with planned schedule for next evidence map 

This submission related to the introduction of vasa praevia screening during pregnancy. The UK NSC considered this topic as part of its regular review cycle in 2024.  A modelling exercise had been completed in 2022. This highlighted important gaps in the evidence and a subsequent evidence map did not identify published evidence which would alter the conclusions of the modelling exercise. 

It was agreed that the Committee should return to this topic in 2026 to 2027 as scheduled. It was also agreed that this topic should be referred to clinical guideline development bodies. The Royal College of Obstetricians (RCOG) plans to review the Green-top Guideline on the diagnosis and management of vasa praevia. Updates can be found in RCOG Green-top guidelines in development: quarterly update.