University Hospitals of North Midlands invite the people of S-on-T to a NHS lung health check

Past and current smokers in Stoke on Trent are being invited to a NHS lung health check in a drive to improve earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and save more lives.

Stoke on Trent has one of the highest mortality rates for lung cancer in England and is now one of just 23 places across the country to offer the Targeted Lung Health Check programme.

The initiative means more than 29,844 past and current smokers aged 55 to 74 in Stoke on Trent will be invited to a lung health check by University Hospitals North Midlands (UHNM).

The lung health check takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a specially trained health care professional. If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk, they are offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation.

To date, of the lung cancers diagnosed through the Stoke on Trent lung health check programme, 86 per cent have been diagnosed at an early stage, meaning it is much more treatable.

Ruth Barwick, 72, from Abbey Hulton, was invited to attend a lung health check last year and subsequently diagnosed with an aneurysm and nodules on the lung.

Ruth said: “I knew I hadn’t been feeling well, but I was shocked when I received my CT scan results. If I had not attended my lung health check I wouldn’t be here today.”

She added: “There is nothing to be frightened of. The team make sure you are told everything. The hardest part for some people is turning up, but I’m in with a chance because I attended.”

Dr Imran Hussain, UHNM Clinical Lead for Targeted Lung Health Checks in Stoke on Trent

“Lung cancer can often be caught too late as there are rarely symptoms at the earlier stages. The programme is designed to check those most at risk of developing lung cancer in order to spot signs earlier, at the stage when it’s much more treatable.”

He added: “We know that early diagnosis saves lives; therefore we want as many people in Stoke on Trent who are aged 55-74, current or past smokers to take up this opportunity. Even if your lungs feel fine, it is best to get them checked out.”

For more information on the Targeted Lung Health Check programme please visit www.uhnm.nhs.uk/TLC