More than 10,000 lung cancers have now been detected through the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, with mobile scanning units based in supermarket car parks, sports stadiums and busy high streets helping thousands of people access potentially life-saving checks closer to home.
New NHS figures show 10,678 lung cancers have been diagnosed through the programme since it launched in 2019, with more than three-quarters identified at stage 1 or stage 2 — when treatment is most likely to be successful.
The programme, which targets people aged 55 to 74 who currently smoke or used to smoke, has already reached half of England’s most at-risk population. By 2030, more than six million people are expected to be invited for a lung health check as the scheme expands nationwide.
Early diagnosis remains one of the most important factors in improving survival from lung cancer. People diagnosed at the earliest stage are almost 13 times more likely to survive for five years compared to those diagnosed later.
Bringing Screening Into Communities
A key part of the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is making checks more accessible by locating mobile CT scanning units in familiar community locations, including supermarkets and shopping centres.
One person whose cancer was detected through the programme is 74-year-old Ken Roberts from Bolton, who attended a lung health check after seeing a mobile scanning truck parked outside his local Morrisons supermarket.
Despite having no symptoms, Ken decided to attend his appointment — a decision that ultimately led to the early diagnosis of stage 1 lung cancer.
Following further tests and surgery, no additional treatment was required.
Ken’s story
“I ummed and ahhed about whether to go, but in the end, I went because it was so convenient, and I could park really easily!
“I answered the health questions with a nurse, and then they offered me a scan on the truck that same day.
“They explained what would happen next and what the options were. I went to Oldham for a positron emission tomography scan and then to Wythenshawe Hospital for a biopsy. This confirmed it was lung cancer, but it had been found at an early stage – stage 1 – and was treatable with surgery.
“I opted to have robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and I feel incredibly positive about my outcome because the cancer was found so early.
“Now I just feel really lucky that I went for that lung health check, as I so nearly didn’t go. And I’m telling everyone to go for theirs when they get the invite.
“It’s really good news that thousands of people across England have had their lung cancer diagnosed by this NHS scheme. This enables people to start treatment sooner, which makes it much more likely it will be successful.
“Without this scheme, many of us – like me – wouldn’t have known we had lung cancer and got help for it.”
Screening Saving Lives
The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme was initially launched in areas with the highest rates of lung cancer and deprivation. Since then, more than 3.3 million invitations have been sent out, with over 800,000 people receiving a low-dose CT scan.
Data also shows the programme is helping tackle inequalities in cancer diagnosis, with more than a third of lung cancers detected in people living in the most deprived areas of England being found at an early stage.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England National Clinical Director for Cancer, said:
“Lung cancer checks and scans save lives, so it’s fantastic the NHS has now diagnosed over 10,000 people — the majority at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
“The Lung Cancer Screening Programme has been designed around where people already are, bringing scanners into their local communities to make it easier for people to get checked.
“It is great to see the positive public response to this programme, and rolling this out nationwide will help us save even more lives in the future.”
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Response
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said:
“Detecting more than 10,000 lung cancers early through screening is a remarkable step forward and shows the life-saving impact of bringing vital services directly into local communities.
“We know that the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance of curative treatment and longer, healthier lives — and that’s what matters most. Screening is already giving thousands more people that chance: more time, more moments, and more memories with the people they love.
“That’s why it’s so important to continue expanding this programme, reaching more communities and ensuring everyone has access. We’re incredibly proud to support this life-saving initiative and helping the Government meet its ambition of 75% of people surviving cancer for five years or more by 2035.”
What’s Involved with Lung Screening?
Lung cancer screening is a simple check to see how well a person’s lungs are working. It is currently available for people aged 55-74 who smoke or used to smoke.
There are two parts to the screening process. Eligible people will initially be invited for a lung health check telephone appointment with a nurse or healthcare professional. They will ask a series of questions about your lifestyle as well as your medical and family history.
This information is then used to determine your risk of developing lung cancer. Those considered high risk are offered a low-dose CT scan to look for early signs of lung cancer.
Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening can be so important. Anyone invited for a lung health check is strongly encouraged to attend, even if they feel well.
People who believe they may be eligible for a lung health check but have not yet received an invitation are advised to contact their GP practice for more information.