Lung cancer screening helps detect cancer early
Lung cancer screening helps detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective and outcomes are better. The programme focuses on people at higher risk due to their age and smoking history.
The NHS is rolling out lung cancer screening across Essex as part of the national programme in the East of England. As the programme expands, more eligible people will receive invitations.
Screening can:
- Detect lung cancer before symptoms develop
- Identify other lung conditions early
- Provide reassurance about your lung health
- Offer support to improve your health
Who is eligible for lung cancer screening in Essex
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged between 55 and 74
- Are registered with a GP
- Currently smoke or have smoked in the past
The NHS is introducing the programme in phases. If your GP practice participates, the screening team will invite you automatically.
You do not need to contact your GP or request screening unless you have symptoms. However, you should always contact your GP if you are concerned about your health.
What is a lung health check?
A lung health check is an appointment with a trained healthcare professional who will assess your lung health and risk of lung cancer.
During your appointment, the healthcare professional will:
- Ask about your smoking history
- Discuss your general health
- Ask about any symptoms
- Assess your breathing and lung health
- Provide personalised advice
- Offer support to help you stop smoking
If the assessment shows that you have a higher risk of lung cancer, the screening team will invite you for a low-dose CT scan.
What happens during a low-dose CT scan
A low-dose CT scan uses detailed X-rays to create images of your lungs. The scan is quick, painless, and does not involve being enclosed in a tunnel.
You may attend your scan at:
- Your local hospital, or
- A community location using a mobile scanning unit
During the scan:
- You will lie on a bed that moves slowly through the scanner
- The healthcare professional may ask you to hold your breath briefly
- The scan usually takes about 10 minutes
- You can go home immediately afterwards
The scan helps detect early signs of lung cancer or other lung conditions, often before symptoms appear.
Getting your lung cancer screening results
The screening team will send your results by letter or phone.
Most people receive a normal result, which means no signs of cancer were found. However, screening sometimes identifies changes that need further checks.
If this happens, the screening team will explain the next steps and arrange any additional tests if needed. This does not necessarily mean cancer. In fact, many findings are harmless or only require monitoring.
The screening team will support you throughout the process and answer any questions.
Stop smoking support in Essex
Stopping smoking is the most effective way to reduce your risk of lung cancer. Even if you have smoked for many years, quitting can improve your health.
As part of your lung health check, the healthcare professional will offer support to help you stop smoking. They may refer you to local NHS stop smoking services.
You can also access support directly through:
Essex Wellbeing Service Everyone Health Southend Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle ServiceIn addition, your GP practice or local pharmacist can provide free NHS stop smoking support.