A new NHS Programme designed to spot the early signs of lung cancer is being rolled out in North Cumbria.
The programme will see smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 being invited for an appointment that will check the health of their lungs.
The programme will be delivered by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and will then roll out by GP practice.
Patients registered with James St practice in Workington are among the first to be invited to have the health check. Patients registered at the remaining practices across North Cumbria will receive invites from late 2024 to early 2025.
The first part of the programme will see eligible patients attend a (telephone) appointment to assess the risk of lung cancer. Participants may then be invited for a CT scan depending on their risk.
Targeted Lung Health Checks are aimed at achieving earlier detection of lung cancer, in areas where the population has a higher mortality from this type of cancer. By detecting lung cancer earlier and identifying it at an earlier stage when it is much more treatable and there is a higher chance of survival, the programme can save lives.
Vicky Lamonby lung cancer specialist nurse said, “Lung cancer is a leading cause of death but the earlier it is spotted the easier it is treated, so it’s important that if you are invited to a health check that you attend. Don’t ignore it, it could save your life.”
While the health check is an important part of detecting lung cancer early, it is still vitally important that anyone with symptoms that could be a sign of lung cancer makes an appointment to see their GP.
Vicky added, “If you have a cough that has lasted more than two weeks, shortness of breath, feeling tired coughing up blood please do not delay in making an appointment to see a GP. “
For further information, including frequently asked questions please visit Patient FAQs - Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation