At Westongrove Partnership, we want our patients to be aware of lung cancer and the importance of early detection. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but finding it early can make treatment much more successful.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells grow in the lungs.
It is strongly linked to smoking, but non-smokers can also develop it.
Early detection gives the best chance of effective treatment.
Lung Cancer Screening (Targeted Lung Health Checks)
Currently, there isn’t a nationwide screening programme like with breast, cervical, or bowel cancer.
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Instead, the NHS is offering Targeted Lung Health Checks in some areas of England:
- These are usually for people aged 55 to 74 who either smoke or used to smoke.
- You may be invited for a telephone assessment.
- Depending on your answers, you might then be offered a lung scan (low-dose CT scan) to check for early signs of cancer.
If you are eligible and invited, it’s a good idea to attend — these checks can spot cancer at an early stage, before symptoms appear.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Even if you are not invited for a check, please see your GP if you notice:
- A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- Feeling short of breath or wheezy
- Chest or shoulder pain
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Feeling very tired
Having these symptoms does not always mean lung cancer, but it’s important to get checked.
Reducing Your Risk
The biggest step you can take is not smoking. Stopping smoking at any age reduces your risk.
Other helpful steps:
- Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
- Keep active and eat a balanced diet
- Attend any NHS lung health check if invited
Support to stop smoking support is available, free on the NHS!