NHS Lung Cancer Screening coming to Norfolk and Waveney
The NHS Lung Cancer Screening programme is available for people aged 55 to 74. Partnered with the NHS, TIC Imaging is a provider of Lung Health Checks across the UK.
About the service
A Lung Cancer screening is a two stage process in which we assess the health of your lungs.
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Why is it needed?
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the UK and it is commonly diagnosed too late as there are often no symptoms at an early stage.
Lung health checks will help save lives by identifying lung cancer at an earlier stage, when it is much more treatable and there is a higher chance of survival.
If you are a current or former smoker you are at higher risk of lung conditions and by screening these issues, they can be treatable.
Attending a lung health check can help find issues early before symptoms occur. A 30 minute appointment could save your life.
Who is eligible?
How it works
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People aged 55-74 years and registered with a GP will receive an invite letter through post in a yellow envelope from the NHS. This Is not a self referral programme and you will be invited for your lung health check by letter.
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A nurse will call you within 14 days to complete your assessment over the telephone, which will take approximately 15 minutes.
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During the telephone call you will be asked questions about your overall lung health, lifestyle, family, and medical history. This information will be used to calculate your risk of Lung Cancer.
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Based on your lung cancer risk, you may be invited for a low dose lung CT scan. This non invasive procedure uses less radiation than standard CT scans and helps detect early signs of lung cancer.
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Scans take place on TIC Imaging mobile vans in community locations, so they are local and easy to access.
What happens after the Lung Health Scan?
Your results will be sent to you by mail. There are four possible outcomes after your lung health scan:
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No problems found The scan showed no signs of lung cancer or abnormalities. You may be asked to return for another scan in two years. However, lung cancer could still develop or may have been missed. If you notice any changes before your next scan, contact your doctor.
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Further scan needed This usually means that there are some shadows on the scan, which is probably something harmless but it could be more serious. We will write and ask you to come for another scan sooner than normal, in around three months, just to check.
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Abnormal result This means there is something abnormal on the scan and you need further tests. We will call you and write to the hospital so you can be seen by a doctor. It could mean you have lung cancer. Around half of people with an abnormal result will have lung cancer.
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Incidental finding This means there is no sign of lung cancer but there are signs of other problems on the scan that may need treatment or medical advice. We will write to you and your GP, you may need to see your GP or another doctor.
Benefits of Lung Health CT scanning
26%
Reduction in lung cancer mortality rates in men through early screening
39 – 61%
Reduction in lung cancer mortality rates in women through early screening
74%
Early stage lung cancers detected, leading to higher treatment success rates
20x
Greater likelihood of survival in 5 years with early stage lung cancer diagnoses.
Screening Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme?
The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) programme is an initiative aimed at detecting lung cancer early, when it s more treatable. Eligible individuals are invited for a free lung health check and may receive a low dose CT scan to identify any early signs of lung cancer.
Who is eligible for a lung health check?
You are eligible if you are aged between 55 and 74, are registered with a GP, and have a history of smoking (current or former smoker). Invitations are sent by letter; it s not a self referral programme.
How will I be invited for the lung health check?
Eligible individuals will receive an invitation letter in a yellow envelope from the NHS. A patient care advisor will then call you within 14 days to complete a telephone assessment.
What happens during the telephone assessment?
During the 15 minute call, you’ll be asked questions about your lung health, lifestyle, family history, and medical history. This helps assess your risk of developing lung cancer.
Will I need to have a lung scan?
If the telephone assessment indicates a higher risk of lung cancer, you ll be invited to have a low dose CT scan of your lungs to check for early signs of cancer.
Where and when do the lung scans take place?
Scans are conducted on mobile units located in convenient community locations, such as supermarket car parks. The units operate seven days a week, including evenings, to make it easy for you to attend.
Do I need to prepare for the lung scan?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual. The scan is quick, painless, and typically takes about 10 seconds of breath holding during the procedure.
What are the possible outcomes of the lung health check and scan?
- No problems found: No signs of lung cancer; you’ll be invited for another check in two years.
- Second scan needed: An unclear area was found; a follow-up scan will be scheduled.
- Further tests needed: Something concerning was detected; you’ll be referred for additional tests.
- Another problem found: No cancer detected, but another issue identified; you’ll be referred for appropriate care.
Why is participating in the lung health check important?
Lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages and is frequently diagnosed too late. Early detection through lung health checks can lead to simpler and more effective treatment, significantly improving survival rates.
Can I receive support to stop smoking through this programme?
Yes, during your lung health check, you’ll be offered advice and support to help you quit smoking, as smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
Resources
Essential information and support to help you take control of your lung health.
Stop smoking services
Better Health NHS
The NHS Lung Cancer page offers information on symptoms, causes, treatment, and screening, along with guidance on prevention.
Nicotine Anonymous
Offers support for those trying to quit smoking, using a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, with meetings held in the UK and globally.
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health)
Offers resources and information for people who want to quit smoking.
Lung disease information
NHS Lung Cancer information
The NHS Lung Cancer page offers information on symptoms, causes, treatment, and screening, along with guidance on prevention.
NHS Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Offers resources and information for people who want to quit smoking.
Asthma + Lung UK
Offers support, information, and resources for people living with asthma and lung conditions, along with advocating for better lung health.
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