NHS targeted lung health check service launches in North Warwickshire
It's being rolled out across the area.
The NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire has begun the rollout of the Targeted Lung Health Check service to North Warwickshire, following the launch in Coventry and Rugby in 2021.
The opening day of the service in North Warwickshire saw 46 patients receive a scan at the mobile unit, which was located at the Tesco Extra in Bedworth.
The Targeted Lung Health Check programme targets those who are at higher risk of lung cancer - people aged between 55 and 74 and who are current or former smokers - and invites them to be assessed by a healthcare professional.
The aim is to identify the signs of lung cancer in the early stages, giving the best possible chance of successful treatment.
Patients with lung cancer sometimes have no symptoms at all, meaning that cancer often goes undetected – making the treatment options more complex, more invasive, and having less chance of being successful.
However, the low dose CT scan can detect even very tiny nodules that may be cancerous, enabling earlier treatment and a better chance of a positive outcome.
To make these checks as accessible as possible, a mobile CT scanner is used which allows scans to take place in convenient community locations.
The North Warwickshire rollout will be carried out gradually over the next 21 months.
Dr Vicki Drought, Lung Cancer Lead and Respiratory Consultant at NHS University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said:
“A lung health check is like an ‘MOT’ of your lungs and will help us check that they look normal. For most people, they’ll find their lungs work fine. But for a small number of people the check can help detect lung cancer in the early stages, allowing us to start treatment as soon as possible.
“I would urge everyone who receives a letter to take up the offer of a lung health check. The earlier we catch lung cancer; the easier, quicker, and more effective treatment is – giving you the best chance of beating cancer and making a full recovery.”
David Assheton, who lives in Rugby, is one of the patients who was invited for a lung health check. After receiving his letter and having a phone assessment with a NHS Lung Health Check Nurse, he attended a CT scan at the mobile unit at his local Sainsbury’s. Despite him having no symptoms and being extremely active, playing both hockey and tennis regularly, the scan showed a shaded area on his right lung that needed further investigation.
After seeing a specialist at University Hospital, Coventry and being diagnosed with lung cancer, he underwent surgery to remove to 10% of his right lung. The operation was a success and the affected area removed - he is now cancer free. David’s story shows the effectiveness of the Targeted Lung Health Check programme.
David said: “Going for a lung health check meant my lung cancer was detected early and I was able to make a full recovery.
“I had no symptoms and I was fit as a fiddle, playing international masters hockey, tennis and being generally active, so it came as a surprise when I received my diagnosis. However, I can’t speak highly enough of the service. The staff were incredibly professional and supported me the whole way through the process.
“Thanks to the service I was able to access treatment quickly and I’m now cancer free. My advice to anyone who receives an invitation to a lung health check would be to do it – it could save your life.”