Routine screening for lung cancer extended with mobile testing facility
Letters are now being sent to thousands of patients across parts of Devon
Lung cancer screening is being increased across parts of Devon - with Torbay and South Devon writing to around 45,000 people offering an initial telephone triage with a medical professional.
Screening is currently being rolled out across Torbay and South Devon and is available for people aged 55-74 years old who have ever smoked and are registered with a participating GP practice in the area.
Himali O’Regan, Clinical Lead for lung cancer screening for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This screening programme is absolutely vital in helping us detect lung cancer at the earliest opportunity.
“The earlier any form of cancer is detected, the better the outcome for the patient as it gives us a better chance of achieving a cure.
"During this phone call, the specially trained health professional will assess the risk of lung cancer and if necessary, people could be invited to a free lung cancer screening as part of a national programme.
"Those who have accepted the invitation to the lung screening will visit the dedicated mobile unit that will be initially located at Sainsbury’s car park near Penn Inn roundabout from 01 May 2025, which will be operated by InHealth.
"If the results of the scan show signs of anything of concern, the patient may be referred for further lung scans and treatment at hospital.
“Any scans that identify urgent findings will result in the patient being invited to a dedicated screening clinic at Torbay Hospital for further investigation. Any non-urgent findings on CT scans will be communicated to the patient and GP directly."