Lung Cancer Screening checks coming to Newark

Eligible people from Newark are being offered checks to help spot the early signs of lung cancer.

Invite letters are being sent out in the post to smokers and past smokers aged 55 – 74. The letter invites them for a telephone assessment which will take approximately 15 minutes where they will be asked questions about their overall lung health, lifestyle, family and medical history.

Depending on those answers, they may then be invited to have a lung CT scan to check for early signs of lung cancer. Scans will take place on mobile vans based at YMCA Community and Activity Village.

Dr Thilan Bartholomeusz, Clinical Director for the Lung Cancer Screening Programme in Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, said: “Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer because by the time symptoms show, the cancer has often developed to a stage where it is more difficult to treat and cure.

“If you are invited for a lung cancer screening check, it’s really important to go even if you feel fit and healthy. The check can spot any issues at an earlier stage, making treatment much easier.

“So far, we’ve carried out over 40,000 scans in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and diagnosed over 500 cancers, 70% at an early stage. Before screening, that figure was less than 23%. That means more patients can get treatment that makes a difference.”

What to expect during a face-to-face Lung Cancer Screening appointment:

• An appointment with a nurse will take approximately 30 minutes where they will ask questions about lifestyle, family, smoking and medical history. If needed, there will then be a CT scan.
• During the CT scan, people need to lie flat on their back on a bed that moves slowly into the CT scanner. The scanner is shaped like a ring (donut shape) and it rotates around a small section of the body as they pass through it.
• Specially trained staff (called Radiographers) control the scanner from behind a screen in the CT room.
• When a scan is taken, the person needs to lie still and follow simple breathing instructions for 10 seconds.

Find out more about the Lung Cancer Screening programme.