Since the programme’s introduction in October 2022, over 22,000 people have come forward for their check.
Thanks to this programme, over 100 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Around 75 per cent of these cancers were caught early at stages one and two, making them more treatable.
Joan Banks didn’t have any symptoms when she was invited for a lung health check. That didn’t stop her attending, a decision that may have saved her life.
After an initial telephone assessment, Joan was invited for a low-dose CT scan. Joan, 73, is an ex-smoker, but she quit over 36 years ago.
Following the scan, Joan, from Houghton-le-Spring was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer in November 2023.
In April 2024, Joan had a portion of her lung removed following an operation at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
The operation was a success, and she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Luckily, no further treatment is needed, only regular check-ups over the next five years.
L-R Helen Bone, Programme Manager for the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, with patient Mrs Joan Banks.
Dr Rebecca Taylor is a Respiratory Consultant at the Trust. She said: “Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death in the UK. Often because it’s diagnosed too late.
“Many of our patients, like Mrs Banks, had no symptoms at all. Lung Health Checks can identify lung cancer early. Meaning patients can be treated earlier, which gives them an even better chance of successful treatment and recovery.
“We have had seen some fantastic outcomes through the Lung Health Check programme. Patients who do need treatment are so grateful that we’ve been able to catch it early and treat it.
“If you are invited to a Lung Health Check, I urge you to take up the offer. It could save your life.”
Almost 70,000 people have been invited to a Lung Health Check, but with only a third of people attending, so many more people could benefit from this lifesaving, screening programme.
Lung Health Checks are available to:
- people registered with a Sunderland or South Tyneside GP
- people aged between 55 and 74
- current or ex-smokers
A lung health check looks at the health of your lungs and is done in two parts.
- You have a phone call or meeting with a health professional. They ask about your health. They look at your risk of developing lung cancer. If you are higher risk, you are invited for a lung CT scan.
- The scan takes a detailed picture of your lungs. This is looked at by experts in this area. If they find any problems, you are asked to come back for more treatment.
Joan wasn’t worried about attending the appointment. She said: “I thought it was best to just go and make sure. I can’t thank them enough for sending that letter. If I hadn’t gone, I don’t know what could have happened. I’m very grateful.
“The whole team has been brilliant, the cancer nurses have so supportive. I haven’t had any issues and I’m really happy with how the treatment went.”
For Joan, life has not changed at all, and she is getting back to normal activities. Her advice to others?
“Just go, if you get invited for a lung health check, just go.”
To find out more about Lung Health Checks, click here: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/services/cancer-services/cancer-information-hub/prevention/lung-cancer-screening
If you are worried about symptoms of lung cancer, like having a cough for three weeks or more, please contact your GP.
