Many people with early stage lung cancer have no symptoms. One of the main aims of this programme is to detect lung cancer at the earliest opportunity when it is easier to treat. We strongly recommend you should complete your lung health check even if you feel well.
The Targeted Lung Health Check is currently being offered to those most at risk of getting lung cancer. Data shows those between the ages of 55 and 74 who currently or previously smoked are at the highest risk of getting lung cancer.
If you are not eligible for a check but display any symptoms or have any concerns about your lung health, you should book an appointment to see your GP straight away.
People with a history of smoking are at a higher risk of lung disease or lung cancer than people who have never smoked. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing symptoms, contact your GP.
A patient care advisor will call you to complete your assessment over the telephone, which will only take around 15 minutes. They will ask you a series of questions about your overall health, your lung health and your smoking history. You may then be invited for a low dose CT scan. This will be performed in a mobile CT unit in your local community or NHS Trust.
To be invited for a lung health check, your GP needs to be aware that you have smoked and recorded this on your medical history. If you think you are eligible, contact your GP practice to check your smoking record is up to date.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer, however you may still be at an increased risk of developing lung diseases. We strongly recommend you take up the check if you receive an invite.
Lung heath checks will be made available across all of north west and south west London. They may not yet be offered in your borough, but we are working to make them available as soon as possible, so please keep an eye out for local updates.
We will be rolling out the programme throughout 2024 to the remaining boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Kensington and Chelsea (West London), Kingston, Richmond and Westminster (Central London).
For more information on the Lung Health Checks programme, please call 020 3835 1600.
- If you received an invitation for a lung health check from the Royal Brompton team, but have not taken this up, you can now contact InHealth to make an appointment with this service. Please call 020 3835 1600.
- If you had a lung health check and scan with Royal Brompton Hospital and have any queries about your next scan, please contact InHealth on 020 3835 1600.
- If you were seen at the Royal Brompton Hospital for a lung health check and are now being followed up for a lung nodule, you will remain under the care of the Royal Brompton team. Please call 0330 128 8021 if you have any queries, or refer to your last results letter for more information about next steps and any future appointments.