Frequently asked questions
The aim of the programme is to detect lung cancer early so that people can be treated sooner and more effectively – ultimately saving more lives. Lung cancer often has no symptoms in the earlier stages which can result in it not being found until the later stages when it is harder to treat.
The lung health check takes part in two stages.
The first is an appointment over the phone with a specially trained nurse to assess your risk of developing lung cancer or other lung diseases.
If you are found to be at high risk you will be invited to have a lung scan - known as a low dose CT scan - so we can capture an image of your lungs and identify if there are any issues which need further investigation or treatment.
Currently, lung health checks are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. At the lung health check, people who are found to have a higher risk of lung cancer will be offered a low dose CT scan. Medical research has shown us that people who meet this risk threshold are most likely to benefit from a CT scan, because lung cancer may be found early. For people who do not meet the risk threshold, we do not have enough evidence that they will benefit, compared to the potential harms of having a CT scan. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have symptoms that are worrying you, contact your GP immediately.
Once you receive your invitation there will be a number of appointments available for you to book.
The first phase will be carried out via phone call. If you are invited to have a lung health CT scan these will be carried out by the team on the mobile units. The mobile units will be parked in the local community which have good transport links for ease of access. The current location of the lung health check van can be found on our website.
A CT scan takes a detailed picture of your lungs and checks for any signs of lung cancer or lung disease. During the scan, the bed moves in and out of the scanner. Your head and legs stay outside of the scanner and you do not go into an enclosed space. The scan is done in either a mobile scanning unit in your local area, or at a local hospital, to make it as easy as possible for you to get to. It only takes a few minutes and does not hurt. You can also bring a friend or relative with you for support.
Yes, there is wheelchair access on the mobile unit for those who require it. There will also be hearing loops and translation services available onboard.
You will receive a letter or a call with your results within 4 weeks of the CT scan. This will tell you what happens next.
If the scan shows anything concerning, you may be referred for further lung scans or treatment. Around 15 out of every 100 people screened have nodules on their lungs.
Most nodules are harmless and caused by something else like scarring from a previous chest infection. Around 1 in 100 people who go for a CT scan are diagnosed with lung cancer. If the scan shows nothing of concern, you will be invited back for another scan every two years until you are 75.
Currently, lung health checks are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. This is because they are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer or lung disease than people who have never smoked. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing new symptoms, please contact your GP.
Currently, lung health checks are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. This is because medical research shows they are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer or lung disease than people who have never smoked.
Research to show benefits in other settings, such as those who have never smoked, have smoked low amounts, or who have experienced passive smoking, is not yet available. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing new symptoms, please contact your GP.
Well done for successfully quitting smoking. In doing so, you have reduced your risk of getting lung cancer. However, you still have a higher risk of lung cancer than someone who has never smoked, so you should still go for your check.
Currently, lung health checks are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. This is because they are at a higher risk of getting lung cancer.
There is currently no proof from medical research that a family history of lung cancer alone can reliably inform who is more at risk.
Smoking history is proven to be the best measure for identifying who should have a lung health check because former and current smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer. However, we do take family history into account in the lung health check risk assessment.
It’s completely understandable that you might be a little nervous about having a lung health check but it is really important that you go. You can request that someone comes with you to the appointment, such as a family member or friend. Chances are everything will be ok but if it is lung cancer, catching it early can make all the difference.
Yes. If you are eligible for this service, please book your transport to your lung health check appointment in your usual way.
You will need to remove your coat, and any other items containing metal (such as necklaces, earrings, piercings, bras).
If you require someone to attend the scan with you, please let us know when booking your appointment.
The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme is a national pilot that is being rolled out across England.
In south east London the programme is currently being rolled out across Southwark, Greenwich, Lambeth and Lewisham. Those eligible will be sent a letter in the post inviting them to book their check.
The check will be offered to all eligible residents in south east London by 2026, so if your GP practice isn't currently listed don't worry, you will recieve a letter when the programme is live at your practice.
If you are worried about any of the symptoms below, please contact your GP practice:
- A persistent cough or change in your normal cough
- Coughing up blood
- Being short of breath
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Appetite loss
Currently, lung health checks are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. Lung health checks are proven to be beneficial in medical research in this age group. Below this age we do not have enough evidence that we can achieve definite benefit. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing new symptoms, please contact your GP.
Currently, lung health checks are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. Lung health checks are proven to beneficial in medical research in this age group. Above this age we do not have enough evidence that we can achieve definite benefit. The main concern is that the risks from treatment and other medical conditions begin to outweigh the benefits of screening from 75 years and over. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing new symptoms, please contact your GP.