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University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
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 1. Home
 2. Our Services
 3. Lung Health Checks

A lung health check is an MOT for your lungs; if you are 55- 74 years of age, a
smoker or have ever smoked and your GP has this on record then you may be
entitled to a FREE lung health check.  

If you are registered with a Staffordshire GP you are eligible for a Lung Health
check as part of the national pilot of the programme.

Due to the success of the pilot screening programme, ministers have confirmed it
will become a national screening programme with 100% roll out to eligible people
by 2030.

This check is a simple phone call with one of our health professionals, who will
go through some questions with you and then decide whether you need a low dose
CT scan to see your lungs in more detail.

Even if you think your lungs are fine, it is best to get them checked out - this
is because our lungs don't have any pain receptors in them meaning symptoms can
go unnoticed for some time.

Most people will be told they have healthy lungs; however a lung health check
can help find problems early – often before you notice anything is wrong.

If lung cancer or another problem with your breathing or lungs is found early,
treatment could be simpler and more successful.

To book an appointment with one of our specialist nurses please call 01782
671554 or 01782 671553.

Request an appointment for a lung health check

Information booklets

Patient stories

Useful links

FAQs

Information for health professionals

News and events

What you need to know about your lung health check

It is your decision whether to attend your lung health check or not.

This leaflet will help you decide.

Why are we offering lung health checks?

Run by specially-trained nurses, lung health checks aim to find out how well
your lungs are working. A lung health check can help find problems early – often
before you notice anything is wrong.

If lung cancer, or another problem with your breathing or lungs is found early,
treatment could be simpler and more successful.


WHO DO WE INVITE?

Lung health checks are being offered in your area to people aged from 55 to less
than 75 who smoke or used to smoke.

For more information about our Lung Health Check programme contact: 01782 671554
or 01782 671553


WHAT HAPPENS AT A LUNG HEALTH CHECK?                               

You will meet a nurse at your appointment. Your lung health check will take
approximately 30 minutes.

The nurse will ask you some questions about your breathing and your overall lung
health. They will ask you about your lifestyle, family and medical history.

They may look at how well you are breathing to find out whether there are any
problems with your lungs. This is a simple test for which you blow into a
hand-held machine called a spirometer. The machine measures how much air you
breathe in and out.

The nurse may talk to you about having a lung scan. This checks for early signs
of lung cancer and is called lung cancer screening.

They will ask you if we can keep your information on file to help us improve the
lung health check programme.

You will have plenty of time to chat to the nurse and ask any questions.

You can bring a friend, family member or partner with you on the day if you want
to.

There are three possible results from your lung health check:


LUNG HEALTH CHECK RESULTS

 


NO PROBLEMS FOUND.

The nurse may find nothing to look into further. We will write to your GP so
they know about the appointment.

 


REFERRAL TO YOUR GP.

If problems with your breathing or lungs are found, the nurse may refer you on
to your GP. We will write to your GP so they know about the appointment.

 


OFFER OF A LUNG CANCER SCREENING SCAN.

Whether or not you are offered a lung cancer screening scan will depend on your
chance of getting lung cancer now or in the future. We work out your risk from
your lifestyle, medical and family history. The nurse will help you to choose
whether the test is right for you. We will write to your GP so they know about
the appointment.


WHAT IS LUNG CANCER?   

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.

Lung cancer is when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way to form a
tumour in the lung.

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.

Finding cancer early means it is much more likely to be cured.

Most lung cancer grows slowly enough for it to be found at an early stage by a
low-dose CT (Computed Tomography) scan.

Helping find lung cancer early is why we have set up this lung health check.

 


WHAT IS LUNG CANCER SCREENING?

 Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to check for the early signs of
lung cancer, before you have any symptoms. This is a special scan that uses a
very low dose of radiation and a computer to take a detailed picture of your
lungs.

 


WHAT HAPPENS DURING LUNG CANCER SCREENING?

During the scan, you will usually lie flat on your back on a bed that moves
slowly into the CT scanner. The scanner is shaped like a ring and it rotates
around a small section of your body as you pass through it.

Specially-trained staff (called radiographers) control the scanner from behind a
screen in the CT room. You will be able to see and speak to them during the
scan.

When a scan is taken, you will need to lie still and follow simple breathing
instructions for 10 seconds. This makes sure the pictures are not blurred.

The scan is painless and you will be able to eat, drink or drive as normal after
your scan.

 


LUNG CANCER SCREENING RESULTS

 You will get your results within four weeks. There are four possible results:

NO ABNORMALITIES FOUND

This means that no signs of lung cancer or other abnormalities were seen on the
scan. We will write to you with the results and ask you to come back for another
scan in two years. However, it is still possible that lung cancer could develop
or that the scan may have missed it. If you notice anything that is not normal
for you before your next scan, tell your doctor.

FURTHER SCAN NEEDED

This usually means there are some shadows on the scan. It is probably something
harmless but it could be more serious. We will write and ask you to come for
another scan sooner than normal, in around three months, just to check.

ABNORMAL RESULT

This means there is something abnormal on the scan and you need further tests.
We will call you and write to the hospital so you can be seen by a doctor. It
could mean you have lung cancer. Around half of people with an abnormal result
will have lung cancer.

INCIDENTAL FINDING

This means there is no sign of lung cancer but there are signs of other problems
on the scan that may need treatment or medical advice. We will write to you and
your GP, you may need to see your GP or another doctor.

There are benefits and harms to lung cancer screening. You should read the
information in this booklet to help you decide if you want to go for a screen if
you are offered one.


WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF LUNG CANCER SCREENING?

People are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with early stage lung
cancer through lung cancer screening. Lung cancer found early can be cured.

When found early, treatment may be simpler and more successful. Small and early
lung cancer can often be removed completely by operation or treated with
radiotherapy (using radiation to kill cancer cells) if found in time.

Research suggests lung cancer screening reduces your risk of dying from lung
cancer by around 25% after each scan.

 


WHY EARLY DIAGNOSIS MAKES A DIFFERENCE

 



You have two lungs made of five sections called lobes.

Each lung is made up of thousands of grape-like sacs, called alveoli.


IF THERE IS A PROBLEM ON ONE BIT OF THE LUNG, EARLY TREATMENT CAN FOCUS JUST ON
THE BIT THAT IS AFFECTED.

The image above has been designed using resources from Freepik.com

 


WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE HARMS OF LUNG CANCER SCREENING?

The low dose CT scan will expose you to a small amount of radiation. It is the
same amount as about one year’s worth of radiation from the natural environment.

Screening does not always find a cancer that is there and some people with lung
cancer will be missed. This is called a false negative result and is very
uncommon in lung cancer screening. Sometimes cancers can start to grow after
screening.

In some people, the test picks up something even though they do not have lung
cancer. This is called a false positive result and would mean you need further
tests such as more scans or a biopsy. This can make people feel anxious or
worried, and these further tests have risks.

As well as finding cancers that need treating, screening can also pick up lung
cancers that will never cause a person harm. As a result, some people will be
diagnosed and unnecessarily treated for lung cancer that would never otherwise
have been found. This is called ‘overdiagnosis’.




WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER?

Lung cancer can start to develop between scans and screening can sometimes miss
lung cancer. It is important to look out for anything that is unusual for you,
especially:

 * A persistent cough or change in your normal cough Coughing up blood
 * Being short of breath
 * Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
 * An ache or pain when breathing or coughing Appetite loss

If you notice any of these changes, see your GP as soon as possible. Do not wait
for another scan.

 


WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RISK OF LUNG CANCER?

The single best thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is not smoke. If you do
smoke and would like to stop, there is free, local and expert support available.
The nurse at your lung health check will put you in touch with these services.
You are three times more likely to quit smoking with help from a Stop Smoking
Service.

Ask your GP about free and local support available.

Who we invite

Anyone aged 55-74 who is a current or ex-smoker and registered with a
Staffordshire GP. 

How it works

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter from the NHS Lung Health Team
with a date and time for your  appointment. You will then receive a reminder
text about your appointment 2-3 days prior. If you cannot make that date or time
please call us on 01782 671554 or 01782 671553 to rearrange.

This appointment will last approximately 30 minutes, where the nurse will ask
about your breathing and your overall lung health. They will ask you about your
lifestyle, family and medical history.

The nurse may talk to you about having a lung scan. This checks for early signs
of lung cancer and is called lung cancer screening.

You will have plenty of time to ask any questions that you might have about your
lungs, breathing and the scan.

What is lung cancer screening?

Lung cancer screening uses a low-dose CT scan to check for the early signs of
lung cancer, before you have any symptoms. This is a special scan that uses a
very low dose of radiation and a computer to take a detailed picture of your
lungs.

What if I need a CT scan?

You will be advised by the nurse if you need a low-dose CT scan. This will be
arranged within 7- 14 days from your appointment with the Lung Health Check
team. If the appointment is not convenient please call the number on the letter
to rearrange.

What happens during the scan?

 * During the scan, you will usually lie flat on your back on a bed that moves
   slowly into the CT scanner.
 * You will be able to wear your clothes but you may be asked to take your coat
   off.
 * The scanner is shaped like a ring and it rotates around a small section of
   your body as you pass through it.
 * Specially-trained staff (called radiographers) control the scanner from
   behind a screen in the CT room. You will be able to see and speak to them
   during the scan.
 * When a scan is taken, you will need to lie still and follow simple breathing
   instructions for 10 seconds. This makes sure the pictures are not blurred.
 * The scan is painless and you will be able to eat, drink or drive as normal
   after your scan.

 



Lung cancer screening results

You will get your results within four weeks.

There are four possible results:

No abnormalities found

This means that no signs of lung cancer or other abnormalities were seen on the
scan. We will write to you with the results and ask you to come back for another
scan in two years. However, it is still possible that lung cancer could develop
or that the scan may have missed it. If you notice anything that is not normal
for you before your next scan, tell your doctor.

Further scan needed

This usually means there are some shadows on the scan. It is probably something
harmless but it could be more serious. We will write and ask you to come for
another scan sooner than normal, in around three months, just to check.

Abnormal result

This means there is something abnormal on the scan and you need further tests.
We will call you and write to the hospital so you can be seen by a doctor. It
could mean you have lung cancer. Around half of people with an abnormal result
will have lung cancer.

Incidental finding

This means there is no sign of lung cancer but there are signs of other problems
on the scan that may need treatment or medical advice. We will write to you and
your GP, you may need to see your GP or another doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

Lung cancer can start to develop between scans and screening can sometimes miss
lung cancer. It is important to look out for anything that is unusual for you,
especially:

 * A persistent cough or change in your normal cough
 * Coughing up blood
 * Being short of breath
 * Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
 * An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
 * Appetite loss

If you notice any of these changes, see your GP as soon as possible. Do not wait
for another scan.

What can I do to reduce my risk of lung cancer?

The single best thing you can do to prevent lung cancer is not smoke. If you do
smoke and would like to stop, there is free, local and expert support available.
The nurse at your lung health check will put you in touch with these services.

You are four times more likely to quit smoking with help from a Stop Smoking
Service.

The targeted lung health check team are working in partnership with local
pharmacies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to help you quit smoking.

During your appointment, you will be asked if you would like referring to a
pharmacy local to you, for further support and advice.

 

I've Not Had a Lung Health Check

If you don't meet the criteria you will not have been invited for your lung
health check by your GP.

You must be:

Aged 55 and under 75

A smoker or ever smoked

For this programme - you need to be registered with a GP in Staffordshire.

If you have not told your doctors that you have smoked or are still smoking, you
will not be registered on their system and therefore will not have been invited
to have a lung health check, even if you meet the age criteria.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You should contact your local GP practice and speak to the reception staff, they
may be able to add the smoking status to your file. This may mean you could be
invited for the lung health check.

WHAT IF I'M WORRIED ABOUT MY LUNG HEALTH?

If you have any symptoms you are worried about, for instance a persistent cough
that you have had for 3 weeks or more, or feeling breathless, you should make an
appointment with your GP.

For more information about lung conditions and what to do if you have symptoms
you're not sure about visit www.nhs.uk. Or go to our Useful Links page to see
organisations that support people with lung disease and other health concerns.

UHNM NHS Trust

Royal Stoke University Hospital, Newcastle Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 6QG

County Hospital, Weston Road
Stafford
ST16 3SA

Tel. 01782 715444

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University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

CQC overall rating
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22 December 2021
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