Targeted Lung Health Checks

Targeted Lung Health Checks available in Liverpool

Residents in Liverpool urged to look after their lungs and have a lung health check-up, if invited. Targeted lung health checks are a simple check-up to see how well your lungs are working. They are currently available to people aged 55-74, who have ever smoked and are registered to a GP practice in the city. Those eligible will receive a letter from NHS inviting them to make an appointment.

Most people who attend a lung health check will receive a clean bill of health and those that do feel very reassured. One of the main aims of the lung health check however, is to diagnose lung cancer at the earliest opportunity.

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Lung cancer is a major health problem in Liverpool, with local incidence nearly double the national average and the majority of people diagnosed at late stage, when curative treatment is no longer available.

Targeted lung health checks are significantly improving earlier diagnosis within the region and save lives. Since the programme first launched, over 120 people have been diagnosed lung cancer, most of whom at early stage and have since had curative-intent treatment, including Jo Shoba who was diagnosed despite having no symptoms. She has since had surgery to remove the tumour and is now fully recovered.

She said, "I’m at the stage where I really can’t believe how lucky I have been. To be back now and feeling fit, joining in with things that make up the fabric of my life, is pretty amazing."

For more information, visit www.lhch.nhs.uk/lung-health-check/

Background information to go on website –

The Liverpool Targeted Lung Health Check is part of NHS England's national programme. It is one of 23 programmes currently operating across England, with a further 27 rolling out in 2022.

The programme was formerly known as the Liverpool Healthy Lung Programme which launched in 2016. In that time, the programme diagnosed over 120 cancers, Approximately 70% were diagnosed at early stage and have since had curative-intent treatment.

Around 40% of people invited to the Liverpool Healthy Lung Programme attended an appointment. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is supporting Liverpool CCG to increase uptake and help more people benefit from an early diagnosis. Initial figures from NHS England have found 77% of cancer being diagnosed through the Targeted Lung Health Checks are being caught at stage 1 or 2, compared to only 28.8% nationally.

Residents across the city aged 55-74 with a history of smoking are invited in stages by region. Patients registered with a GP in the Eastern Zone Liverpool (West Derby, Childwall and Wavertree) will start receiving their invitations from the end of August, with clinics running from mid September and CT scanning from mid October.

Youtube link https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Pz0LzT5PxzIsCVIWcraIzGUJunrD5yl

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