This is a pilot programme with a funding for a specific number of lung health checks. The identified practices have been selected using a range of indicators, including lung cancer incidence and deprivation indexes, to make sure the Lung Health Checks are delivered to people who will benefit the most from them.

We know that there will be people who live outside of these areas who may benefit from a Lung Health Check, and 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, don’t worry, you will be over the next few years.

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