Local cancer alliance carries out almost 40,000 lung health checks

The Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance has carried out more than 36,000 lung health checks in the region over the past two years.

Since 2022, a total of 36,627 people have had their lungs checked for signs of cancer as part of the Targeted Lung Health Checks Programme.

Anna Bibby, Clinical Lead, SWAG Cancer Alliance, said: “This screening programme has had a huge positive impact in our area. 

“To date, we have detected more than 130 lung cancers in people who were completely unaware there was anything wrong.

“More than 80 per cent of these cancers were picked up at early stages, which meant they could be considered for curative treatment.

“The majority of these people have undergone, or are about to undergo), treatment, and are now living cancer-free.”

The programme supports NHS England’s long-term goal for 75 per cent of cancers to be detected at stage one or two by 2028.

The health check is offered to current and former smokers between the ages of 55 and 74, and consists of an initial telephone assessment, with some patients then invited for a low dose CT scan.