An NHS programme to detect the early stages of lung cancer, which has already saved lives locally, is being expanded across Norfolk and Waveney.

The programme has been commissioned by NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) and is being launched to people across Norfolk and Waveney.

It follows the success of the programme which was first launched in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston in 2022 and later in Lowestoft in 2023. These were the first areas to pilot this programme as data shows people living there have a higher risk of lung cancer.

The Lung Cancer Screening programme (formerly known as the Targeted Lung Health Check) is offered to current and ex-smokers aged 55-74 as this group is at the highest risk of developing lung cancer.

In the pilot 8000 people who were offered it took up the screening and 70 people were diagnosed with cancer, 70% of whom at an early stage. 

Dr Suzanne Phillips, Clinical Lead for Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Lung cancer usually doesn’t have many symptoms in its early stages, so that’s why it’s important we proactively check people who might be at risk of developing it.

“We’ve already seen a fantastic response to our pilot projects and that’s why we’re pushing ahead to offer more people the check. We’re rolling this out in stages to tens of thousands of people so it’s really important people wait to be contacted about their check and book it in when offered.”

This latest move is part of an ambition towards a full national roll out by 2029 when it will transition to a national screening programme, a commitment reiterated recently in the NHS Ten Year Plan.   

The screening is designed to find out how well someone’s lungs are working and to identify problems early. Most of the time no issue is found, but if cancer, lung or breathing issues are found early, treatment could be simpler and more successful.  

There are two main stages to a Lung Cancer Screening – the first is an initial assessment with a health professional and the second, if necessary, is a scan of the lungs. The programme is being run by TIC Mobile and the scans will be carried out in community settings, starting with Sainsbury’s in Kings Lynn.

Dr Patricia Refinetti, Clinical Director for TIC Mobile, added: “Thanks to screening, over three in four lung cancers are now found early, when treatment works best and cure is possible. Put time on your side, get screened.”

Individuals who are eligible for Lung Cancer Screening will be proactively contacted by TIC Mobile on behalf of the NHS to arrange a lung screening. The invitation will be based on your smoking history on your GP record so if you think this might be out of date, please let your GP know so they can update your record.  

People are invited to attend a public launch event at the mobile scanner unit on 10am-1pm on Tuesday 26 August at Sainsbury’s car park (Sainsbury’s Hardwick Superstore, Hardwick Industrial Estate, Scania Way, King’s Lynn, PE30 4LR).

The event will be offering guided tours of the mobile CT scanner and support unit, Smoke Free advice and the free health checks and women’s health support. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony. Booking is not necessary for this event.

You can find out more about Lung Cancer Screening on the website: https://eoelungcancerscreening.nhs.uk/. If you have any concerns about your lung health you should book an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible, please don’t wait to be invited to a Lung Cancer Screening.

For more information about Smokefree services, visit https://smokefreenorfolk.co.uk/ for Norfolk and https://feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk/stop-smoking/ for Suffolk.