Targeted Lung Health Checks For Current and Former Smokers

Targeted Lung Health Checks For Current and Former Smokers

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Often, people don’t know they have it until it’s too late for effective treatment.

Targeted Lung Health Checks can change that by helping find lung cancer earlier, especially in people at higher risk.

What Are Targeted Lung Health Checks?

The NHS in England is beginning targeted lung health checks for people aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers.

The checks aim to find lung cancer early when it’s easier to treat. They often involve a CT scan, which can detect lung cancer even before symptoms show up.

Why Are These Checks So Important?

1. Early Detection Saves Lives: Lung cancer doesn’t often cause symptoms in the early stages. But, when it is found early, treatment works much better. Lung checks help catch it sooner, improving survival chances.
2. Focus on Those at Risk: The checks target older adults who smoke or used to smoke. This means people at higher risk of lung cancer are screened first.
3. Reducing Health Inequalities: Lung cancer is more common in poorer areas. These checks help reach people who don’t often get health screenings.
4. Preventing Serious Illness: Finding lung cancer early means less intensive treatments, like avoiding chemotherapy. This improves quality of life and reduces the load on hospitals.

How to Get a Targeted Lung Health Check

Eligible patients will get a phone call or a letter inviting them to make an appointment.

It’s vital that your health record shows that you are or used to be a smoker, even if you no longer are.

Without your smoking status being on your health record, you won’t be invited to a targeted lung health check.

If you are a current and former smoker, and you’re not sure if we have that information, please get in touch.