Lung health checks are helping to detect lung cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable, and ultimately save lives. Often called an MOT for your lungs, these simple check-ups are being rolled out across England for people aged 55–74 who have ever smoked and are registered with a participating GP.
If you’re invited for a lung health check, it’s natural to have questions—our FAQs can help you understand what’s involved and what to expect:
Currently, screening is available for people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked because they are at a higher risk of lung disease or lung cancer than people who have never smoked.
However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing symptoms, contact your GP immediately.
Under the current programme, screening available to people aged 55 to 74 with a smoking history. This is because your risk of lung cancer increases as you get older.
However, lung cancer can affect anyone at any age and so if you have any concerns or are experiencing potential lung cancer symptoms, please go to your doctor.
Screening is being rolled out across the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance region, if you are aged between 55 and 74 and have ever smoked, you will receive a letter, text message or phone call from your GP or the NHS. The letter will either have your appointment details on it or it will ask you to call to book your appointment.
Don’t worry if you haven’t been invited even if you meet the criteria for screening. Many of the programmes are staggering the invitations and working their way round the region so not everyone will be invited straightaway.
If you have any concerns about your lung health, or you are experiencing potential lung cancer symptoms including a persistent cough, breathlessness, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain or recurrent chest infections, do not wait to be invited for screening. You must contact your doctor.
You should attend your screening appointment even if you are well. Many people with early stage lung cancer have no symptoms. One of the main aims of this programme is to detect lung cancer at the earliest opportunity when it can be cured.