National lung screening to be introduced

28 Jun 2023

RM Partners welcomes the recent Department of Health and Social Care announcement (Monday, 26 June 2023) that a national targeted lung cancer screening programme will be introduced in the coming years. This is backed by a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee following the successful delivery of the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in some parts of the country in recent years.

In north west and south west London, we have already established the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in six of our boroughs – Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth. In autumn, we will be expanding the current service, starting in Croydon and Ealing. Roll out will continue until eligible residents in all 14 boroughs in north west and south west London are invited to participate.

Earlier diagnosis of lung cancer is one of RM Partners top priorities, as intervening early can lead to better outcomes for patients. The lung health check is offered to those aged 55-74, who smoke or used to smoke. If they accept the invitation, they will be offered a review of their lung health on a telephone consultation with a respiratory nurse, and referred for a low dose CT scan if appropriate at a convenient local venue.

Click here for Department for Health and Social Care’s announcement.

Click here for West London Lung Health Checks website.