About Lung Cancer Screening

If you qualify for a NHS Lung Cancer Screening Check, you will receive an invite letter through the post.

This letter will inform you that one of our health advisors will call you for your lung cancer screening check within two weeks of receiving your letter to have your telephone assessment which will take approximately 15 minutes.

During the telephone call you will be asked questions about your overall lung health, lifestyle, family and medical history.

You may then be invited to have a lung CT scan. This checks for early signs of lung cancer and is called lung cancer screening.

Scans take place on mobile vans in community locations so they are local and easy to get to.

What is a CT scan?

CT stands for computerised tomography. It is a special scan that uses X-rays and a computer to create images of the inside of the body.

Sometimes called CAT scans

CT scans are done by specially trained people called radiographers. Lung Health Checks use ultra-low-dose CT. This means the amount of radiation is very low, like an X-ray. When you have your CT scan, you should try not to wear jewellery and clothes that have metal in them (like zips) because these will need to be removed.

How is Lung Cancer Screening carried out?

Lung Health Checks are carried out by nurses over the telephone. Should you then be identified as eligible for a low dose CT scan you will be invited to a mobile unit based at a convenient place in your local area.

What is a mobile unit?

The mobile unit is a large medical vehicle that will be parked in an easy‑to‑reach place, such as a supermarket car park. This helps make the service accessible for as many people as possible. Specialist nurses will be on board, and all parts of the appointment can be done there.

Why haven't I been invited?

This programme is targeted at patients who are most at risk of lung cancer.

55-74 year old ever smokers

People between these ages who have smoked more than 100 tobacco products in their lifetime have the highest chance of getting lung cancer.