As part of this NHS programme, some patients will be invited for a Lung Health Check, which may include a low‑dose CT scan of the lungs. The aim is simple, to find lung cancer early so treatment is more likely to work and you have more options.
Who might be invited?
You may be contacted by the NHS if you:
- Are in a specific age group (usually older adults)
- Smoke now, or have smoked in the past
Invitations may arrive by letter, phone call, or text message. If you are invited, you’ll be given clear instructions on how to book.
A Lung Health Check usually involves:
- A friendly chat with a healthcare professional about your breathing, general health, and smoking history
- A simple health assessment
- If appropriate, a quick, low‑dose CT scan at a local hospital or mobile scanner
What is the scan like?
Many people find the scan easier than they expected:
- It’s fast and painless
- No needles or injections in most cases
- You lie on a bed that moves through a scanner, it only takes a few minutes
- You can usually go straight home afterwards
Your scan is reviewed by specialist teams, and you will be contacted about the results and any next steps.
Why it’s worth attending
You might feel completely well and that’s exactly why screening is offered.
Lung screening can:
- Detect changes in the lungs before symptoms appear
- Offer a better chance of successful treatment if anything is found
- Connect you with support to stop smoking, which is the best way to reduce your risk
Attending your appointment is a positive step to look after your future health.
Things to be aware of
Like any test, lung cancer screening has limitations:
- It can sometimes pick up changes that aren’t cancer, meaning you might need extra tests to be sure
- Very small cancers can sometimes be missed
- Screening can’t prevent lung cancer, but it can help find it earlier
You’ll have the chance to ask questions and decide whether screening feels right for you.
If you’re worried about symptoms
You should contact your GP practice or NHS 111 if you notice:
- A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Ongoing chest or shoulder pain
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
- Persistent breathlessness or wheezing
- Repeated chest infections
These symptoms are usually caused by something less serious than cancer but it’s important to get them checked.
Useful NHS resources
For more information and support, you may find these NHS resources helpful:
- Lung cancer information and symptoms: NHS: Lung cancer
- NHS lung health checks and screening information: NHS: Lung Cancer Screening
- Stop smoking support and tools: NHS: Quit smoking
If you receive an invitation to a Lung Health Check as part of this campaign, it’s well worth attending. It’s a simple way to look after your lungs and your long‑term health.