Life-saving NHS lung cancer screening programme launches  | News

A new NHS lung cancer screening programme aiming to detect lung cancer earlier and improve outcomes has now launched in Tunbridge Wells, with local residents invited to book a free lung health check.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) officially opened the programme at a public event in Royal Victoria Place on 30 October, where the screening team met residents, explained how the checks work and encouraged eligible people to take part.

Partners from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and One You Kent also supported the event, promoting lung health, stopping smoking and the importance of early diagnosis.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the leading cause of cancer death. The screening programme is designed to find lung cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is far more effective and survival rates are significantly higher. Early adopter sites across England have already seen most cancers detected at stages 1 and 2.

People aged 55–74 who have ever smoked will receive an NHS invitation for a lung health check. During the appointment, a specially trained nurse will discuss breathing, lifestyle and medical history, and check height, weight and blood pressure. If further investigation is needed, patients will be offered a quick, low dose CT scan of the lungs locally.

Dr Stefano Santini, Clinical Director for the Lung Cancer Screening Programme for MTW, said: 

“Lung cancer is often difficult to detect early, and many people don’t realise anything is wrong until the disease is more advanced. That’s why this programme is so important.

“A lung health check is quick, straightforward and designed to be as easy as possible for people to attend. It gives us the chance to spot problems earlier, when treatment is far more effective and outcomes are significantly better.

“If you’re aged 55 to 74 and have ever smoked, you may not feel unwell or have any symptoms - but you are still at higher risk. This check is a simple opportunity to understand your lung health and take action if needed.

“It could make a life changing difference for you or someone you care about.”

MTW provides cancer services to around 2 million people across Kent, Medway and East Sussex through the Kent Oncology Centre, one of the best performing centres in the country.

More information about lung cancer screening can be found on the NHS website.