Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
Work is continuing to improve earlier cancer diagnosis in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. This is one of the key priorities of the NHS’s Cancer Plan, which has been announced today.
The latest figures for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire show that 65% of eligible people took up their offer of a lung screening check compared to the national average of 51%. This has led to 470 cancers being detected, 70% of which were diagnosed at an early stage.
Lung cancer is difficult to diagnose at an earlier stage as there are usually no symptoms until the disease has progressed – making treatment more difficult. The lung screening programme has been rolled out to different areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, targeted at people aged 55 – 74 who smoke, or previously smoked.
Figures also show that 84% of people across the East Midlands who have been invited to participate in bowel screening have returned their Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), supporting early bowel cancer diagnoses – this is above the national target of 80%.
The FIT test is a non-invasive test that detects hidden blood in poo, which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. The test is done at home, requires only one small sample and is returned by post in a sealed container. The tests have been expanded to all over 50s as part of government plans to improve early cancer diagnosis.
Other early cancer detection projects launched in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire include:
The National Cancer Plan sets out how cancer services will be stabilised and then transformed over the next decade, with a clear ambition to improve outcomes, survival and experience, while tackling long-standing inequalities. At its core, the Plan focuses on three big shifts:
Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “By detecting and treating cancer at an earlier stage, we can boost people’s chances of survival. We are also making cancer diagnosis more accessible than ever before through home screening kits like the FIT test, mobile screening units for lung cancer which are conveniently located in communities and the rollout of community diagnostic centres.”
Two purpose-built community diagnostic centres are being developed in the area – one in Mansfield, which will open in April 2026, and another in Nottingham, due to open next year.
In April 2020, John Crouchley, from Nottingham, began experiencing digestive problems. By September, he contacted his GP, who promptly arranged FIT and blood tests. The FIT test flagged concerns, leading to further investigations including a chest X-ray and colonoscopy. Just before Christmas, John was diagnosed with bowel cancer – a diagnosis made possible by the early warning provided by FIT testing.
John underwent a series of treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Throughout his journey, his healthcare team’s multidisciplinary approach ensured seamless transitions between hospital departments, timely access to diagnostics, and ongoing support – even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“FIT testing was the turning point in my diagnosis,” said John. “It set everything in motion and meant my cancer was caught before it could spread. I want to urge anyone who is eligible to complete their FIT test – it could save your life.
“The care I received from my team was outstanding – they guided me through every step and never let me feel alone.”
