Supporting earlier diagnosis of lung cancer

What is a Targeted Lung Health Check?

Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC) are being offered in our area to support with the early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
Those between the ages of 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers will be invited to a TLHC.
The check compromises of two stages, the first is a telephone call with a health professional who will assess your risk of lung cancer. If you are deemed to be high risk, you will be invited for a low dose chest CT. The TLHC service will organise this, as required.
The TLHC Programme is currently being rolled out across England. Initially being available in areas of England with the highest lung cancer mortality rates but is expected to be available nationally by 2024-25

For further information:

Roy Castle Lung Screening Information

Why it’s important

Lung cancer often goes undetected during its early stages, due to there often being no signs of symptoms. Less than 20% of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive for 5 years or more.
TLHCs help detect cancer at an earlier stage, when curative treatment is more possible.
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.