A trip to Asda saved my life

There are many free opportunities through the NHS to look after your health and wellbeing. This story shows just how important it is to take advantage of them.

One such free opportunity is the Targeted Lung Health Check Programme, which offers a free health check to people 55-74 who have ever smoked. A lung check is by invitation only and you will receive a letter directly from the team if you meet the criteria for taking part.

On a typical autumnal day in Tower Hamlets in October 2023, William Selden received his invitation in the post. An invitation which ultimately went on to save his life.

Deciding to go for a lung health check

William’s story starts at home, where he received a letter and information leaflet, asking him to take part in a free lung health check. As an ex-smoker, he decided he may as well take up the offer, even though he had no symptoms and he felt no pressure, or fear, to go for it.

As part of his lung check, William had his free appointment via phone initially, and then visited the lung scanning truck at Asda in the Isle of Dogs for his face-to-face appointment with his nurse and a free low dose CT scan.

The scan was quick, easy and completely painless. It showed a nodule on his lung causing concern and he then had to have a more detailed, follow-up scan at St Bartholomew's Hospital. The diagnosis was Stage 1 lung cancer, which took place in November 2023. As he had no symptoms, without the scan the cancer could have developed into something more deadly, which may then have been too late to treat.

Receiving life-saving treatment from Barts Health

As the lung cancer had been diagnosed early, he was able to have keyhole surgery at St Bartholomew's Hospital in January 2024. This surgery was successful, and his latest scan has shown that no cancer is present. As part of his treatment, he was also offered prehab, which helps people with cancer to prepare for treatment by promoting healthy behaviours, through providing support with exercise, diet and mental health.

William did a lot of physio sessions, even though he always kept himself fit, and he had a very friendly and positive experience of working with the physio team and of his treatment overall.

Sharing his experience to help and encourage others

William said: “Who would have thought that a trip to Asda would save my life! My first scan was in a van in a car park in Asda. The whole process was really quick and there was no pain. It wasn’t claustrophobic either. The staff were really good, and it only took about five minutes in total.

“Going through the cancer diagnosis, I was never scared. A friend of mine had had cancer the year before and she handled it pretty magnificently and wasn’t scared, so I wasn’t scared.

“I had my operation in January 2024 and my treatment at Barts Health was incredible. There was a really good atmosphere in the ward, lots of laughter and visitors so my experience in hospital was perfect. Now it is June 2024 and I’m almost fully recovered, and I am back cycling again.

“If you get a letter about going for a lung health check, just respond immediately as it really can save your life.”
 

Watch William share his story in full: https://youtu.be/Oi2_XEOxBoI

Hear Williams’s advice about going for a lung check: https://youtu.be/Uw47J83PlTY

Find out from William what a lung scan is like: https://youtu.be/86QA0FUk5O8

What is a lung check?

A Lung Heath Check is offered free to people aged 55-74 who have ever smoked, as part of the national NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme. It finds out how well your lungs are working and aims to rule out any serious conditions. Often, early problems with the lungs do not cause any symptoms, so it is important to attend even if you are fit and healthy.

Most of the time nothing is found, but if there are any problems with how your lungs are working, such as cancer, finding out early can make treatment simpler and more successful.

A Lung Health Check also aims to promote healthier lifestyles with advice about stopping smoking.

How do I get a lung check?

Lung checks are by invitation only. Our Targeted Lung Health Check team will send out invites via letter. There are three parts to a lung check:

• Your telephone appointment: a chat to decide if a lung check is right for you
• A face-to-face appointment: to talk in more detail about your health and decide if a scan is right for you
• A quick, low dose CT lung scan: if a scan is right for you, you will have this at the same time and location as your face-to-face appointment

More information

Find out more on our webpage or watch our animated video.