A new lung cancer screening programme rolling out across north and west Cumbria is already proving to be lifesaving.
The new screening programme, is in line with one of the three key shifts from treating sickness to prevention outlined in the NHS 10 year plan published today. It helps to detect lung cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective.
Adrian Wilson from Workington was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer after he attended his screening just before Christmas and is now urging others to do the same.
Adrian 70, was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer after being invited to take part in a free Lung Cancer screening programme by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) Lung Cancer screening team.
The programme invites smokers or ex-smokers between the ages 55 to 74 to attend a free lung health check, where a member of the team will ask questions and determine if the patient would benefit from a CT scan.
Since the programme began last year, over 6000 people have been invited into the programme with over a 1200 people having a low dose CT scan.
Lauren Hughes Lead Lung Cancer screening nurse at NCIC said:
“The new screening programme helps to detect lung cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. Lung cancer can be hard to detect, and some people have symptoms whilst others have none at all. It is really important that people take up the offer and attend their appointment even if you are symptom-free and feeling well. The vast majority of those invited to attend will not have lung cancer, however those that do can begin treatment as soon as possible.”
Adrian explains:
“I received a text message from my GP surgery, saying as an ex-smoker I had been invited for lung health check which I decided to attend. I had experienced some left sided pain in my lung prior to the lung health check but nothing else. If it hadn’t been for the programme I’m not sure I would have acted on the pain.”
Adrian had Adenocarcinoma which is a type of lung cancer. The small tumour was detected in the upper part of his left lung and he was told he would need surgery to remove it.
The lung cancer was detected in late December 2024 and Adrian’s surgery was scheduled for February 2025.
Adrian explains what the surgery entailed:
“I went for a pre-op examination after having lots of scans to diagnose the lung cancer. I was admitted to hospital and surgery was explained to me. I felt really well advised. I had some pain after surgery which I expected, and I was given some medication to help with this. I was attached to a chest drain immediately after surgery, but I was really relieved to hear that this did not need to stay in for long, and it was soon removed.”
Adrian had a Left upper lobectomy, which means the surgeon removed the upper part (lobe) of his left lung.
Adrian said:
“It was difficult to move immediately after surgery due to the pain, however this subsided after a little while. I was also given an inhaler from my doctor to help with any shortness of breath. I now try and walk at least 7000 steps each day to stay active and keep my lungs healthy.”
Lauren goes on to explain:
“Because Adrian’s cancer was detected early he was able to undergo surgery and have it completely removed. During the surgery, they also took samples of nearby lymph nodes to check if the cancer had spread. After testing it was discovered that the cancer had not spread and Adrian would not need any further treatment. The early detection will most certainly have made a difference.”
The Lung Cancer screening programme is currently being rolled out across the north and west Cumbria with the team visiting GP surgeries, and contacting eligible patients to take part and take up the offer of the Lung Health check once invited.
Adrian concluded: “I would highly recommend those invited to go ahead and get checked, it could save your life.”
The Lung Cancer screening team are currently contacting patients from Longtown in Carlisle before moving onto Carlisle Central Practice.