An NHS Norfolk and Waveney lung cancer screening programme targeting current and ex-smokers, has helped diagnose 70 local people with cancer, identifying their signs at an earlier stage, and ultimately saving lives.

Since its launch, Lung Cancer Screening has been taken up by around 8000 people who were offered it.

The programme was first launched in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston in 2022 and Lowestoft in 2023 with plans to gradually roll it out to the rest of Norfolk and Waveney later this year.

The screening, which was formerly referred to as a Targeted Lung Health Check, will become a full national NHS programme by 2029 and is offered to people between the ages of 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers and therefore at greater risk of lung cancer. 

Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Lowestoft were the first areas to pilot this programme in Norfolk and Waveney as data shows people living there have a higher risk of lung cancer.

It 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.  

Dr Suzanne Phillips, Clinical Lead for Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “If you’ve ever been a smoker, your risk of lung cancer is increased. This reduces over time, but people are still at increased risk, when compared to those who have never smoked. You might now vape or not smoked for years, but it’s still really important to take part in this screening if you’re offered it. The earlier we can diagnose cancer, the more treatment options are available so people can live long and healthy lives.”

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 The invitation will be based on your smoking history in your GP record so if you think this might be out of date, please let your GP know so they can update your record.  

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 scans are carried out by the James Paget University Hospital Trust who have now completed over 5000 scans.

Siji Dileep, Lead Nurse for lung cancer screening at the James Page University Hospital Trust, said: “Having a scan is completely painless – and you are only in the scanner for a few minutes. The scan gives us a detailed picture of a patient’s lungs, enabling us to check for the early signs of lung cancer. This is really important as early detection improves the chances of successful treatment.”

For more information about Lung Cancer Screening in Norfolk and Waveney, visit: https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/cancer/targeted-lung-health-checks/. For more information about this programme in the East of England, visit: https://eoelungcancerscreening.nhs.uk/

If you display any symptoms of lung cancer or have any concerns about your lung health you should book an appointment to see your GP straight away. Don’t wait to be invited to a Lung Health Check.