More people will be invited to have lung cancer scans in Norfolk and Waveney as the NHS expands a successful screening programme.
The service, which detects the early stages of lung cancer, has already saved lives locally after it was launched in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston in 2022 and Lowestoft in 2023. These were the first areas to pilot the programme as data shows people living there have a higher risk of lung cancer.
Now more scans will be carried out in community settings, starting with Sainsbury’s in King’s Lynn, where people are being invited to attend a launch event at the mobile scanner unit next week.
How does it work?
The Lung Cancer Screening programme is offered to current and ex-smokers aged 55-74 as this group is at the highest risk of developing lung cancer. It’s being run by TIC Mobile, who will proactively contact eligible individuals on behalf of the NHS to arrange a lung scan. The invitation is based on the patient’s smoking history on their GP record.
Some people should already be receiving invites to have their checks. There’s no need for patients to do anything themselves, or contact the NHS, until they receive their invite.
There are two main stages to the process: the first is an initial assessment with a health professional and the second, if necessary, is a scan of the lungs.
In the pilot stage of the screening programme 8000 people took up the offer of a scan and 70 people were diagnosed with cancer. 70% of those diagnosed were at an early stage, increasing their chances of successful treatment.
‘A fantastic response’
Dr Suzanne Phillips, Clinical Lead for Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Lung cancer usually doesn’t have many symptoms in its early stages, so that’s why it’s important we proactively check people who might be at risk of developing it.
“We’ve already seen a fantastic response to our pilot projects and that’s why we’re pushing ahead to offer more people the check.
“We’re rolling this out in stages to tens of thousands of people so it’s really important people wait to be contacted about their check and book it in when offered.”
Dr Patricia Refinetti, Clinical Director for TIC Mobile, added: “Thanks to screening, over three in four lung cancers are now found early, when treatment works best and cure is possible. Put time on your side, get screened.”
Invitation to launch event
The public launch event will take place on Tuesday 26 August, 10.00 -1.00, in the car park of the Sainsbury’s superstore on the Hardwick Industrial Estate, King’s Lynn.
The event will be offering guided tours of the mobile CT scanner and support unit, Smoke Free advice and the free health checks and women’s health support. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony. Booking is not necessary for this event.
You can find out more about East of England Lung Cancer Screening programme here.
