Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire Cancer Alliance’s Targeted Lung Health Checks

SWAG Cancer Alliance’ Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is a new pilot scheme giving people a chance to check their lung health. We will test how well your lungs are functioning and offer advice and support around keeping your lungs healthy.

Most of the time, we do not find any problems, and we will be able to reassure you that your lungs are working well. You can think of it like a car MOT. We will check everything is working well and, in the unlikely case that a problem is picked up with a person’s lungs or breathing, finding it early could make treatment easier and more successful.

“You don’t expect to get cancer. You think you’re not going to get it, but you can. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to take part in the Doncaster Lung Health Check. The sooner you get treatment the better. I say to people just go for it, you should always get checked. It could save your life.” - Sandra, patient of Doncaster’s Targeted Lung Health Checks Programme

Lung cancer is frequently diagnosed at a later stage than other cancers because often there are no signs or symptoms at an early stage. The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is designed to identify signs of cancer at an early stage when it is much more treatable - ultimately saving move lives.

The lung health checks are being offered to people between the ages of 55 – 74 who are current or former smokers.

Eligible individuals will be sent a letter inviting them to a telephone lung health check. This may lead to a face-to-face appointment and low-dose CT scan for some individuals.

We are hoping to be able to offer Lung Health Checks to everyone who meets these criteria across Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire in the next few years, so if you are not invited initially, hopefully you will be soon.

Contact our team on  0117 233 8127 or email: swag.lunghealthcheck@nhs.net