The lung health screening programme in north Cumbria is successfully detecting lung cancer earlier in line with the NHS National Cancer Plan published by NHS England today, World Cancer Day (4th February).
We are already delivering one of the key focuses on catching cancer earlier and faster as early diagnosis is key to cancer survival.
The lung health screening programme first launched in 2024 in north Cumbria, with a clear ambition: Reach people early, detect disease sooner and change lives across our community.
A year on, the results speak for themselves, not just in numbers, but in the real life impact the programme has had on those who have taken part:
- 12,227 eligible participants invited to take part in the screening programme.
- 7,472 have had a lung health check completed
- 3,886 participants were identified to have a low-dose CT scan
- 40 stage 1 or stage 2 lung cancers have been detected
- Six other cancers detected including breast and renal cancers
David Addison 63, from Whitehaven took part in the lung health check programme and was subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. David now strongly advocates for routine screenings and encourages anyone who is offered the chance to take part in the programme.
David said: “The screening programme is 100% important. Lung cancer is the hidden killer - by the time you get symptoms, it’s a later stage. The surgeon said to me, ‘If we were having this conversation in 2/3 years’ time, we would not be sitting here talking about a cure.”
The programme is now live in seven practices and the dedicated Lung Health team has worked tirelessly to identify and invite those most at risk. Over the past year, 12,227 eligible participants have been invited to take part in the free screening programme.
The Lung Health Checks have proven highly effective at identifying those who would benefit from further investigation. Almost four thousand people have gone on to be invited to have a low‑dose CT scan as a result of the initial chat.
These scans have been invaluable. They’ve not only helped detect cancer early but have also uncovered a wide range of other health issues that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Dr Mary Hewson Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at NCIC, said:
“The lung health screening programme is saving lives; this programme fits perfectly with the NHS 10-year plan to prevent rather than treat. We are urging anyone who is invited for a check to please take up the offer and come and chat to one of the team. We’ve had a great response so far, but there is still more to do.”
Dr Hewson continued:
“From the CT scans, 1,617 participants have had incidental findings, including heart issues. Each of these findings represents an opportunity for earlier intervention, better management, and ultimately improved long‑term health.”
Early‑stage detection is where screening programmes make the biggest difference and here, the programme is delivering exactly what it set out to achieve. Detecting 40 early‑stage lung cancers in under a year is an extraordinary outcome.
Lauren Hughes Lung Cancer Screening Lead nurse said:
“Since scanning began, the programme has diagnosed 51 cancers. What stands out most is the stage at which these cancers have been found, 40 were early‑stage lung cancers (Stage 1 or 2) which means we can treat and cure, which is amazing. Lung cancer can be difficult to detect and can go unnoticed, which means often patients are at a much later stage before they even realise they have cancer. This programme is changing that.”
The first year has laid a strong foundation for the programme and the team is aiming to have reached all eligible participants across our region by February 2028. The programme will continue to expand and the impact on our local communities will grow.