There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at an early stage. As a result, around 7 in 10 lung cancer patients get diagnosed too late to be cured.
Targeted lung health checks help find problems early. This is often before you notice anything is wrong. It means treatment could be simpler and more successful. This will help save more lives.
Most lung cancers grow slowly enough that a lung scan can find them early.
Who are they for?
People aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke. You must be registered with a Northumberland or North Tyneside GP.
People of this age who have smoked are at greater risk of lung cancer. It's rare that an issue is found. But if it is, we can act quickly and offer treatment.
You will get a letter inviting you for your check if you are eligible.
What is a targeted lung health check?
The first stage is a phone call to talk about your:
- Breathing
- Overall lung health
- Lifestyle
- Family and medical history
There are 3 possible outcomes:
Offer of a lung scan - if you have a higher chance of getting lung cancer now or in the future.
No problems found - you don't need to have a lung scan.
Referral to your GP - if problems are found, but you don't need a lung scan.
What is a lung scan?
A CT scanner will take a detailed picture of your lungs.
The appointment lasts around 30 minutes. You can ask the nurse any questions you have.
Scans may take place at your local hospital. They also take place in a mobile unit in places like supermarket car parks.
To find out more, you can read our patient leaflet here.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The aim is to detect lung cancer early. This means people can get treatment sooner. Treatment at an early stage is more effective. It will save more lives.
Lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. It can be found by lung scans though.
The first phase is a phone call. If you are invited for a scan, this will take place at a mobile unit or local hospital.
Mobile units will park in community venues or supermarket car parks.
We are working around Northumberland and North Tyneside.
If eligible, you will get a letter inviting you for your check.
If anything comes up at either stage, we will contact you with the next steps.
At each stage you will get a chance to ask questions.
You can also call 0191 293 4204.
You may need to remove your coat, but you can keep your clothes on.
Yes. Someone can come with you if you need support.
Yes. Please book your transport to your scan in the usual way.
At the moment, the checks are being offered to those most at risk of getting lung cancer.
If you are worried about any of the below symptoms, see your GP as soon as possible:
- A cough you can't get rid of or change in your normal cough
- Coughing up blood
- Being short of breath
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Appetite loss
The programme is rolling out across England. Areas with higher lung cancer mortality rates are prioritised first.
If you are worried about any of the below symptoms, see your GP as soon as possible:
- A cough you can't get rid of or change in your normal cough
- Coughing up blood
- Being short of breath
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Appetite loss
Patient story
We ran an early screening pilot for patients most at risk of getting lung cancer.
The pilot found 18 cases and 17 of those were able to have life-saving treatment.
One of the patients saved was Barbara. This is her story:
You can find out more about this project here.
Useful links
NHS lung cancer information
www.
NHS Smokefree
Cancer Research UK
www.
www.
www.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
www.
www.roycastle.org/help-and-support
Fresh
Smokefree helpline