About Lung Cancer Screening

Lung Health Checks are an MOT of your lungs and will check that they are working as they should be. If eligible you will be invited for a telephone assessment where an advisor will ask general questions about your lifestyle, medical and family history. You may then be invited to a face-to-face appointment with a nurse and a CT scan.

You have been sent a letter because your local practice has identified from your patient records that:

• You are aged 55 to under-75
• You live in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and are registered with a GP
• You are a current or former smoker, or no smoking status has been recorded at all on your record

You do not have to participate in lung cancer screening, but the aim of the programme is to detect lung disease, including lung cancer, early so that people can receive treatment as soon as possible.

CT stands for computerised tomography. It is a special scan that uses X-rays and a computer to create images of the inside of the body.

CT scans are done by specially trained people called radiographers. Lung Health Checks use ultra-low-dose CT. This means the amount of radiation is very low, like an X-ray.

Lung Cancer Screening is a multi-year programme which will be gradually introduced in stages across our community. You will receive an invitation letter in the post when your GP practice is being invited.

Lung Health Checks are carried out by nurses over the telephone. Should you then be identified as eligible for a low dose CT scan you will be invited to a mobile unit based at a convenient place in your local area.

No, the Lung Health Check will be done in a community setting in a conveniently located location such as a supermarket car park/football ground.

You should have your Lung Health Check even if you feel fine. This is because early lung cancer often doesn’t have symptoms. You might still have a problem even if you feel well.

No, any jewellery or clothing containing metal will need to be removed before a CT scan can be done. 

For most people, you will not need to get undressed as the CT scan can be performed fully clothed. However, please avoid wearing jewellery and clothes containing metal (such as zips), as these will need to be removed.

Approximately 20 minutes.

Yes. Lung Health Checks are completely free of charge for NHS patients.

Yes. There is wheelchair access on the mobile unit for those who require it. Please be aware that you will need to lay flat and independently transfer on to the CT scanner.

Due to limited space in the scanning unit please come for your appointment on your own and if you can, as near to your appointment time as possible to avoid queues. If you need someone with you, please limit it to one person. As space is limited any person accompanying you may be asked to wait outside until your appointment is complete.

Please let us know if you have any additional needs at the time of booking the CT scan and we will do our best to accommodate you.

This is a targeted programme for people who are at the greatest risk of developing lung problems, including lung cancer at a future stage. As with most screening programmes for people who are asymptomatic (displaying no symptoms) the resources are targeted at the people most at risk. The people most at risk of developing lung problems are aged between 55 to under 75 who smoke or used to smoke.

The mobile unit is a large medical vehicle that will be parked in an easy‑to‑reach place, such as a supermarket car park. This helps make the service accessible for as many people as possible. Specialist nurses will be on board, and all parts of the appointment can be done there.