Free checks to help prevent lung cancer are being piloted in Cornwall
Smokers and former smokers are among those being sent invitations
Last updated 4th May 2022
People at a higher risk of lung cancer are being offered free checks, as part of a programme being piloted in Cornwall.
Over the next two years, the most affected target groups will be invited to attend a telephone appointment and follow-up scan if needed.
This can be booked in a mobile van unit, which will move around and target different areas.
Smokers and former smokers are among those being sent invitation letters.
Consultant Cyrus Daneshva is helping to set up the scheme, initially being launched in east Cornwall.
He said: "It's an amazing opportunity to diagnose cancers earlier and I'd encourage those people that are invited to attend - there's no judgement, there's just a great opportunity to improve the local population's health".
What does a Lung Health Check involve?
The Lung Heath Check finds out how well a participant’s lungs are working and hopes to identify problems early.
Most of the time no issue is found, but if cancer or an issue with a participant's breathing or lungs is found early, treatment could be simpler and more successful.
Lung cancer is frequently diagnosed at a later stage than other cancers because often there are no signs or symptoms at an early stage.
The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is a new pilot scheme designed to identify signs of cancer at an early stage when it is much more treatable -ultimately saving move lives.
The Targeted Lung Health Check programme is being offered to people between the ages of 55 and 75 who are current or former smokers and at greater risk of lung cancer.
Those eligible will be sent a letter to invite them for a Lung Health Check.
Working with Royal Cornwall Hospitals' NHS Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the programme was initially being piloted in east Cornwall,
It will then be extended to other parts of the Duchy and people are being urged to watch the Peninsula Cancer Alliance's social media feeds for more information.
What are the benefits of lung health checks?
Cyrus says the checks are vital, especially because around 70% of lung cancers present late.
He said: "Lung cancer is one of the commonest cancers that there is; the third commonest in the UK and has the highest mortality and morbidity associated with it.
"A lot of that is due to use finding cancers quite late on.
"By targeting Cornwall to begin with to get the pilot in this area going we should learn lots and hopefully have a big impact on cancer outcomes".
Cyrus continued: "It give people invited the opportunity to see a member of the health services to address or to ensure their lungs are in a good state and potentially the chance to identify cancer at an early stage".
So far the programme has seen a slow uptake in people attending their initial appointment and health officials are keen to boost that.
The rollout will start this month and more information can be found on the Peninsula Cancer Alliance website.