The MELISSA training bus will be visiting locations in Boldon, Jarrow, South Shields and Washington to raise awareness of screening for the condition.
People aged between 55 and 74 who have smoked have a higher risk of developing lung cancer and will be invited to attend a Targeted Lung Health check.
This is done in two parts. First you will have a phone call or meeting with a health professional who will ask you about your health and look at your risk of developing lung cancer.
If you are at higher risk you will be invited for a lung scan which takes a detailed picture of your lungs and will be looked at by experts. If they find any problems you will be asked to come back for more treatment.
Why are Targeted Lung Health Checks being offered?
It can be hard to spot lung cancer. There are often no signs of symptoms at an early stage. Around seven in ten cancer patients are diagnosed too late. This means there is less chance that treatment will make them better.
Targeted Lung Health Checks help find problems earlier. You might not even know there is anything wrong. It helps save lives. This is because treatment can start sooner. It is also more likely to work. Most lung cancers grow slowly. This means they can be found at an early stage by a lung scan.
Upcoming Targeted Lung Health Check Promotion Days
The MELISSA training bus will be parked in the following locations and dates to raise awareness of lung cancer and promotion of screening:
- Monday September 9 – South Tyneside Hospital car park
- Wednesday September 25 – the Peel Retail Park in Washington
- Tuesday October 8 from 10am to 2pm – Jarrow Town Centre
- Monday October 23 – Doxford Park Shopping Centre
On Wednesday October 9 from 10am to 2pm members of the lung cancer screening team will also be in the foyer at ASDA Boldon.
The events are being supported by the Roy Castle Lung Foundation, which has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of lung cancer and promotion of screening.
More information on the lung cancer screening programme can be found on the attached leaflet you can download here and you can also watch the film here:
