Targeted Lung Health Checks
Supporting earlier diagnosis of lung cancer
Lung cancer often goes undetected during early stages due to lack of symptoms. Less than 20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive for 5 years or more but Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHCs) help detect cancer at an earlier stage when curative treatment is more possible.
People are three times more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage through a lung scan. Small and early lung cancer can often be removed completely by operation or treated with radiotherapy or immunotherapy. In previous trials, lung screening reduced lung cancer mortality by 26% in men and between 39% and 61% in women.
The TLHC Programme is currently being rolled out across England. Initially it was offered in areas of England with the highest lung cancer mortality rates. To date, 80% of lung cancers found by the TLHC programme have been at stage 1 or stage 2, compared to 30% without this kind of intervention.
How does it work?
We've created a handy video to show you what to expect. You can view it here.
TLHCs have two stages, the first is a meeting or a call with a health professional, who assess the patient’s risk of lung cancer. If it is thought to be high, the patient is invited for a low dose chest CT which the TLHC service organises.
Who is eligible?
People aged between 55 and 74 years, who are current or former smokers, will be invited to a TLHC. This is done with support from your GP practice but by an independent team of healthcare professionals. Those patients identified as smokers or former smokers, will be offered an appointment directly in their letter and those who are within the age range but without a recorded smoking status, will receive a letter asking them to call the TLHC bookings team to check their risk levels and whether they are eligible for the next step.
Do I have to go to hospital for the scan?
No - The scanner is housed in a mobile unit, located at convenient locations such as supermarket car parks. On board is medical nurse, a Healthcare Assistant and a Radiographer. Appointments are by invitation only and the bookings team can support with any additional needs or accessibility requirements requested.
I want to stop smoking, will I be offered any help?
As smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, patients who are invited for a lung health check will also be offered advice and support to help them stop smoking.
Local Slough GP Dr Kesar Sadhra, explains why he thinks it is important to attend if invited. Click the image to the left to watch his short video an if you would like to view the video in Punjabi you can find it here.
What people are saying:
Click on the image to the right to hear directly from local resident Pete about his experience.
Dr Jonathan Macintyre, Cancer lead clinician at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Director for the Frimley TLHC programme, says:
“We’re delighted to offer patients Targeted Lung Health checks in Slough and would urge anyone receiving a letter or text message to take up the offer. This service will help diagnose lung cancers at an early stage with treatable outcomes improving patient’s quality of life, and ultimately save lives.”
Mr R Walters, a resident of Colnbrook said “The lung check was simple and easy to book, the staff were friendly and explained why the health check was taking place and it was done and dusted really quickly. The results came back in the post very fast, which is what you want when waiting for test results.”
Mr C Walters, also a Colnbrook resident told us about his experience.
“As a wheelchair user I always worry when being asked to go somewhere that isn’t a hospital as access can be an issue but when I arrived at the lung health check they were very helpful and there was a lift to get me into the machine, the staff were excellent and I would definitely recommend going to get yourself checked.”
You can find more information on the website https://www.frimleylunghealthcheck.nhs.uk/