The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is aimed at achieving earlier detection of lung cancer, in areas where the population has a higher mortality from this type of cancer. By detecting lung cancer earlier and identifying it at an earlier stage when it is much more treatable and there is a higher chance of survival, the programme can save lives. People diagnosed with lung cancer at the earliest stage are nearly 20 times more likely to survive for five years than those whose cancer is caught late. In the past, lung cancer tended to be picked up at a late stage (stage 4) because it can be without symptoms in the early stages, hence the importance of screening, especially for those who are most at risk.
The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is offered to those aged 55 to 74 who are at greater risk of developing lung cancer due to being current or former smokers. (Around 85% of lung cancer cases are among people who smoke or who have a history of smoking).
The assessment takes place in two steps. The first is a meeting or phone call with a specially trained health professional to assess the persons risk of lung cancer. Then if necessary this is followed by a low dose CT scan of the lungs.
Resources (including videos like the one shown here) are available to public health professionals involved in promoting the campaign.
The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is being expanded to a number of locations around the region. It was introduced initially in Luton and Thurrock, as part of a pilot project during 2021. Then later introduced in Southend, Bedford, Great Yarmouth, Harlow and Central Bedfordshire in 2022 and early 2023. And more recently introduced into Peterborough and Huntingdon in early 2025. News about the introduction of the first Health Checks being launched in our region in Luton, are mentioned in our news pages (available here).
As of April 2023, more than 1750 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer through the Lung Cancer Screening Programme offered across the country, cases that would otherwise have been indentified at a later stage. There are now 43 sites in total across the country, which have together offered more than 300,000 appointments.
You can visit our dedicated East of England Lung Cancer Screening website here. This is aimed primarily at members of the public who are being invited to be part of the lung cancer screening programme. It contains videos and information about the programme, as well as information about locations where assessments are taking place.
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the UK. It is commonly diagnosed too late, due to there often being no symptoms at the earlier stages. Attending for lung cancer screening can help find issues early, often before symptoms occur.