Lung health checks for MK residents
This photo was taken of the scanner in Luton
The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHCs) programme is now available in Milton Keynes, as part of a national programme to improve early lung cancer diagnosis.
The programme first launched back in 2019 and since then, more than 1 million people have been invited to come forward for a free lung health check. In the East of England, 10 sites have been set up across the region, including in Great Yarmouth, Southend, Harlow, Luton and Peterborough.
As part of the expansion plans, a new site is now set up at the ASDA store in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, allowing local residents the opportunity to be tested.
All those eligible for the checks will be contacted by their GP to advise that they make a consultation appointment. Decisions on whether a patient has a scan will be made following the patient’s consultation. The checks are offered to those living in areas with a high incidence of lung cancer, who are aged between 55 and 74, and who are at an increased risk due to their history of smoking – either being a current or former smoker. The project will move through the city from surgery area to surgery area as the months progress.
Letters from two GP surgeries (Whaddon and Red House) are currently going out to residents in parts of the Bletchley area. The service will then launch to other GP surgeries across Milton Keynes in the next few months.
Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHCs) are designed to save more lives by finding problems early when treatment could be simpler and more successful. Three out of four people are diagnosed with lung cancer late due to there often being no signs or symptoms at an early stage. If diagnosed early, 88% of people will survive lung cancer for one year or more.
While the focus of the screening is to identify lung cancer, the checks will be able to determine if the patient has any other long-term health conditions which may require intervention or management (e.g Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The overall programme is led by the East of England Cancer Alliance team, along with the dedicated lung health checks team.
To find out more about TLHCs, visit the East of England Lung Health Check site: https://eoelunghealthcheck.nhs.uk/
Q&As
Who is eligible for the lung health checks?
Those living in areas with a high incidence of lung cancer, who are aged between 55 and 74, and who are at an increased risk due to their history of smoking – either being a current or former smoker.
How will those eligible find out they are eligible?
They will receive a letter from their local GP surgery advising they contact the surgery for a consultation.
When will those eligible receive a letter?
Invite letters have started to be sent to eligible people and this will be in a staged approach across Milton Keynes GP practices.
How can I find our more about lung health checks?
Please visit the East of England Lung Health Check site: https://eoelunghealthcheck.nhs.uk/
Last Modified: 1:12pm 19/02/2024
For all media enquiries please contact [email protected]