1,000 free lung scans

The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in Barking & Dagenham reached a major milestone on 22 December, as the 1,000th local resident received a free lung scan.

The free scans are being offered to anyone aged 55-74 who has ever smoked, as part of a national pilot, and we launched our programme in Barking & Dagenham in July this year. We are looking to expand this to more areas in north east London in 2023.

Dr Rebecca Taylor, Clinical Director for the Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in north east London, says: ‘It’s fantastic to hit such a big milestone before Christmas, as these free lung scans are saving lives.

“Whilst for the majority of people there are no major issues found, giving them peace of mind, in a small number of cases we are finding potential issues in their lungs which require further investigation. Finding this out early makes any treatment simpler and more successful.”

The scans are by invitation only. If you receive an invite, please follow the instructions and keep your appointment. If you have already received a letter and did not attend, it is not too late. Please get in touch with the lung check team on 020 3839 8911 and ask for an appointment to be scheduled.

The scan itself is simple, safe and takes less than a minute. It’s really important for people to have the scan. To find out more, visit our web page: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/tlhc