Curious?
What is
Lung cancer Screening?
Lung cancer screening is a new service being offered on the NHS in England. It is designed to detect lung cancer, even before symptoms appear. Catching lung cancer early makes it much easier to treat.
This information is about Lung Cancer Screening in Greater Manchester. To find out more about NHS Lung Cancer Screening in other parts of England, visit the NHS website.
Who is it for?
You are eligible for screening if all of the following apply to you:
- You’re aged between 55 and 74
- You’re registered with a GP surgery in Greater Manchester
- You’re a current or former smoker
Everyone is eligible for Lung Cancer Screening, regardless of their sexuality or gender. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTIQ+) people are more likely to smoke, and therefore need screening. People from this community are also less likely to seek medical attention, even when unwell.
It’s really important to attend your appointment, even if you feel fine. The service is completely non-judgmental, and you can speak openly to staff if you feel uncomfortable or worried.
What does it involve?
You’ll be invited for a Lung Health Check. Your appointment will most likely be in person, but may be by phone.
A health professional will ask about your health and lifestyle to find out more about your risk of lung cancer.
This includes questions about your breathing, lifestyle, and family and medical history. They will also take your height and weight measurements.
It is really important to be honest about how much you smoke, or used to smoke. Even if you still smoke occasionally, such as at social occasions, let the screening team know. The professionals will not judge you based on your answers, and it helps them to accurately assess your risk.
After you have completed the Lung Health Check questionnaire, you’ll get a risk score. If the questionnaire suggests you are at an increased risk of lung cancer, you’ll be offered a low-dose CT scan at a mobile clinic. Around half of people who have a Lung Health Check go on to have a scan too.
You do not have to take off your clothes for the scan. However, you will have to remove any metal clothing or accessories. This includes:
– Wired bras
– Necklaces
– Nipple piercings
– Tops with metal zips
If you wear these to the appointment and you need a scan, you will be asked to remove them and given a gown to wear on your top half.
How do i get an appointment?
If you are eligible, you’ll be sent an invitation in the post or via text for a Lung Health Check when one of the mobile NHS clinics is in your area. It’s often parked up at a local supermarket or shopping centre.
When are appointments?
The service runs from 8am until 8pm Monday to Saturday. If you can’t make your initial appointment slot, you can simply call the booking line on 0161 529 0900 to rearrange.
Can i request an appointment?
If your GP doesn’t know that you have ever smoked, and you are aged 55-74, you should be sent an information letter to let you know about the service. This allows you to opt in if you have been or are still a smoker. If you don’t get an invitation or an information letter, you should contact 0161 529 0900 and ask for an appointment.
If you have symptoms you are worried about, you should speak to your GP who will be able to refer you for tests if needed – don’t wait for your lung cancer screening invitation.
What happens after the appointment?
At the end of the Lung Health Check, one of the following things will happen:
1. No further action
If the Lung Health Check suggests you are not at increased risk of developing lung cancer, then no further action is needed.
You will not be eligible for a CT scan. You may receive some advice about stopping smoking and taking up the NHS Health Check.
2. Offered a CT scan of your lungs
If the Lung Health Check finds you’re at increased risk of developing lung cancer, you will be invited for a low-dose CT scan to take a detailed picture of your lungs. You will be provided with information by a nurse to explain the benefits and risks of the low-dose CT scan.
About half of the people who attend may also be offered this scan, which the NHS can also do on the mobile clinic that day. It’s like a giant donut and there’s no need to remove your clothes.
If i have a scan, when will I get my results?
You should be notified of your results within 28 days. If further tests are needed to check for lung cancer you will be contacted by the NHS and seen urgently.
If the scan shows something that’s not lung cancer, the screening team will refer you to the most appropriate service based on what’s been found. This may be your GP or your local hospital.
What have others said?
“I would urge anyone to go for their lung health check when they get the invite. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain — it can save a life. It’s worth it. There was nothing to suggest I had lung cancer. Never would I have guessed it in a million years.”
Bury lung cancer survivor, 64
“I got an invite through the post because I used to smoke. I gave up five years ago. I didn’t have any symptoms, no cough, but I know it’s important to attend cancer screening. The mobile clinic was just five minutes’ walk from my house so very convenient. I popped into the supermarket to get a loaf of bread too!”
Wigan lung cancer survivor, 60
“It’s brilliant! Only takes around 20/30 minutes & the staff are lovely!”
Manchester visitor, 56
“I ummed and ahhed about whether to go as I felt fine. I didn’t have any symptoms. But then in the end I went because it was so convenient, and I could park really easily!”