Earlier lung cancer diagnosis transforms outcomes across the Thames Valley
Media release 3 June 2026
One hundred and sixty-nine (169) people across the Thames Valley have had an earlier diagnosis of lung cancer thanks to the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme.
Between the launch of the programme locally in July 2022 and March 2026:
- 93,183 screening invites have been sent
- 17,675 CT scans have been completed
- 169 cancers have been diagnosed
- Over 73% were diagnosed at Stage 1 or Stage 2
Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors in improving lung cancer outcomes. When cancer is identified at an earlier stage, treatment options are often less invasive and more effective, giving patients the best possible chance of recovery.
Dr John Park FRCP, PhD, Medical Director at Thames Valley Cancer Alliance, said:
“The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is transforming outcomes for people at risk of lung cancer by helping us detect the disease much earlier, often before any symptoms appear. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death, largely because it is frequently diagnosed at a later stage when treatment options can be more limited.
Through screening, we are identifying lung cancers when they are smaller and at a much earlier stage, giving patients the best possible chance of successful treatment and, in many cases, cure. This programme is already making a real difference to people across our communities.”
Stephanie Bell, Associate Director for Primary and Community Care at Thames Valley Cancer Alliance said “Being part of this programme is hugely rewarding and we’re so proud of everyone involved, from nursing staff to clinicians and radiographers and administrators. Without screening, only around one in three lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. The success of the lung cancer screening programme demonstrates the vital role that early detection plays in improving outcomes and saving lives.”
The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme targets people aged 55 to 74 who are registered with a GP and who currently smoke or have smoked in the past. Eligible people will be invited to have a simple lung health check to determine whether further testing is needed. If the assessment finds the person to be higher risk, they will be offered a free low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation (a CT scan is a series of X-rays taken from different angles).
The Thames Valley Cancer Alliance Lung Screening Programme is being expanded slowly and we are committed to making it available to all eligible people by 2030. It first started in Swindon in 2022 and is now available across the whole Thames Valley region with a mix of scanning facilities in place; some locations use mobile units with dedicated scanning facilities, other teams are based in hospitals and healthcare settings.
For more information visit: Lung cancer screening – thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk
If you have symptoms of lung cancer at any age, always see your GP, even if you have recently completed a screening test.