Frequently asked questions

The aim of Lung Cancer Screening 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. 

Lung Cancer Screening typically involves two stages: a Lung Health Check and, if needed, a CT scan. 

The Lung Health Check takes place over the phone. A health professional will ask questions about your breathing, lifestyle, and family and medical history to understand your risk of lung cancer.

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 Cancer Screening is for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked.

At the initial phone assessment or 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, please contact the booking team to arrange your initial phone assessment or Lung Health Check. There will be a number of appointment times for you to choose from.

You can contact the booking team on 020 3911 8580 (office hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm and Saturday, 8am - 1pm) or via email on inl.selondon.lcs@nhs.net. 

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Lung Cancer Screening typically involves two stages: a Lung Health Check and, if needed, a CT scan. 

The Lung Health Check takes place over the phone. A health professional will ask questions about your breathing, lifestyle, and family and medical history to understand your risk of lung cancer. They will also ask you to provide your height and weight measurements.

If required, you will be asked to attend an appointment in person to have a  lung CT scan - which is quick and painless scan of the lungs. The appointment will take place on a mobile van or scanner, which means it can be parked in the community and ensures it is easy to get to.

Your appointment should last approximately 30 minutes and you’ll have a chance to ask the nurse at the unit any questions that may be concerning you.

The current ocation of the mobile van can be found on our website.

The 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 Cancer Screening appointments 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 Cancer Screening appointments 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 book your screening appointment. 

Currently, Lung Cancer Screening appointments 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 during the initial phone assessment. 

It’s completely understandable that you might be a little nervous about going for screening but it is really important that you attend.  Chances are everything will be ok but if it is lung cancer, catching it early can make all the difference.

If you need a lung CT scan at our mobile unit, then you can request that someone comes with you to the appointment, such as a family member or friend.

Yes. If you are eligible for this service, please book your transport to your lung CT scan 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.

Currently, Lung Cancer Screening appointments are only available in some parts of England. The Government has announced that they will be available everywhere by 2028.

In south east London, appointments are currently being offered to residents across Southwark, Greenwich, Lambeth and Lewisham who are between the ages of 55 to 74 and have ever smoked, as they are at greater risk of lung cancer.  Those eligible will be sent a letter in the post or a text inviting them to book their initial phone assessment.

Lung Cancer Screening 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 Cancer Screening appointments are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked. 

The two stage of the screening process - the Lung Health Check and CT scan - 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 Cancer Screening appointments are for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked.

The two stage of the screening process - the Lung Health Check and CT scan - are proven to be 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.