Past and current smokers in Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to a NHS lung health check in a drive to improve earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and save more lives.
With one of the highest mortality rates for lung cancer in England, Stoke-on-Trent is one of 23 places across the country to run the Targeted Lung Health Check programme.
The initiative means more than 29,844 past and current smokers aged 55 to 74 in Stoke on Trent will be invited to a lung health check by University Hospital North Midlands. This will identify an estimated four times as many cases of lung cancer earlier than otherwise would have been.
The lung health check takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a specially trained health care professional. If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk, they are offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation.
Dr Imran Hussain – Clinical Lead
“Lung cancer can often be caught too late as there are rarely symptoms at the earlier stages. The programme is designed to check those most at risk of developing lung cancer in order to spot signs earlier, at the stage when it’s much more treatable.”
He added: “We know that early diagnosis saves lives; therefore we want to offer this screening service to as many people in Stoke on Trent who are aged 55-74 and smoke or have ever smoked. Even if your lungs feel fine, it is best to get them checked out”
The Targeted Lung Health Check programme estimates it will diagnose around 6,000 cancers earlier than would otherwise have been within the 23 places it is currently established. This offers the opportunity for more and earlier interventions, including curative surgery, which will save people’s lives. Stop smoking advice will also be offered to support current smokers.
For more information on the Targeted Lung Health Check programme please visit www.uhnm.nhs.uk/our-services/lung-health-checks
