The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is a national NHS scheme designed to identify signs of cancer at an early stage when it is much more treatable – ultimately saving lives.
What are lung health checks?
The Targeted Lung Health Check programme is being offered to people in Dudley between the ages of 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers and are at a greater risk of lung cancer. Those eligible will be sent a letter to invite them for a lung health check.
A lung health check finds out how well a person’s lungs are working and hopes to identify problems early. Most of the time nothing is found, but if an issue with a person’s breathing or lungs is identified early, treatment could be simpler and more successful.
The way a check is carried out is through an initial conversation with a health professional, and if needed, a simple scan which can spot the early warning signs of potential diseases and cancers.
Initial assessment
If you are eligible, you will receive a letter or text message inviting you for an initial Lung Health Check.
The initial assessment will take place over the phone and/or meeting with a health professional.
During the initial Lung Health Check, you will be asked some questions about your breathing, overall lung health, lifestyle and family and medical history. An assessment will be made at this appointment of your risk of Lung Cancer based on your answers.
To be eligible for a Lung Health Check you must be:
- Aged 55 – 74
- A current smoker or have ever smoked
In the meantime, if you have not been invited for a Lung Health Check, you can still look out for your lung health. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please don’t wait for a Lung Health Check invite, contact your GP as soon as possible:
- Unexplained persistent cough
- Unexplained persistent breathlessness
- Fatigue lasting four or more weeks
- Persistent or recurrent chest infection
- Unexplained weight loss
- Appetite loss
Why should you book an appointment?
- It is a free service.
- Your initial assessment takes place over the phone at a time that is convenient for you.
- If you need it, the scan of your lungs will take place in a local community setting.
- You can talk through any questions you may have with a healthcare professional.
- There is advice on how to quit smoking if you would like it.
What to do when you receive your invitation
If eligible, you will receive a letter inviting you to make a lung health check appointment. Please call the booking team on 01384 884384 to make an appointment. Have the reference number on your letter at hand, as you will be asked to supply this along with your details.
If the line is busy, please leave a message with your name and contact details and a member of the booking team will contact you within two days.
If you are unsure as to whether to attend then please speak to the booking team about any concerns or questions you may have.
You’re not eligible but have concerns
If you have any symptoms you are worried about, for instance a persistent cough that you have had for 3 weeks or more, feeling breathless, or unexplained weight loss then 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 the NHS website or go to our healthy lungs page to find organisations that support people with lung disease and other health concerns.