Lung Cancer Screening (formerly known as Targeted Lung Health Checks) is a screening programme for people aged between 55 and 74 who have ever smoked.
The programme targets those most at risk of lung cancer and contributes to the ambition of the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to improve early diagnosis and survival for those diagnosed with cancer.
The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening programme was launched in Sandwell in February 2024 and Dudley in August 2024, with plans to roll out to Walsall and Wolverhampton in 2026.
The aim is for the West Midlands to have full access to Lung Cancer Screening by March 2029.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
There are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages. Symptoms develop as the condition progresses.
Do not wait until you are invited to lung cancer screening if you have any of the following symptoms:
- a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- wheezing
- a hoarse voice
- swelling of your face or neck
- persistent chest or shoulder pain.
What will happen during screening?
You will be sent a letter, inviting you to make an appointment that will take place over the phone (that takes around 20 minutes).
This free lung check is carried out by specialist nurses. They’ll ask you a few questions which will assess your risk of developing lung cancer.
You’ll be asked about your breathing and overall health, and you’ll have time to talk to the nurse about any concerns you may have.
You may then be offered an appointment to have a CT scan for further investigation. This will take place in a safe mobile unit at a convenient location such as a supermarket carpark or a community centre, making it as easy as possible for you to attend.
The scanner isn’t noisy or enclosed and someone will be with you at all times if you need any support.
The results of the scan will be sent to you after being checked by the doctor.
You’ll also receive a letter about two to four weeks later explaining what to do next.
If you were previously invited but did not take up the offer of screening at that time, for whatever reason, you can still make an appointment by contacting the booking teams on the telephone numbers below:
- Dudley: 01384 884384
- Sandwell: 0121 817 5449
