New name for Targeted Lung Health Checks

From 1 February, the Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) Programme has been rebranded as Lung Cancer Screening as plans are underway by NHS England to extend lung health checks to all eligible patients by 2029.

The Lung Cancer Screening Programme aims to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, often before symptoms appear.

As a pilot area for targeted lung health checks, the programme has already reached many eligible residents within the Frimley Health and Care system, including those in Slough, Aldershot, and Farnborough, with the next phase now underway in Yateley.

Since its launch in Frimley in 2022, 56 residents have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Three-quarters of these cases were identified at stages 1 or 2, making treatment more manageable. In comparison, fewer than 30% of lung cancer cases outside the screening programme are detected at such an early stage.

One of the 56 diagnosed individuals, a local resident called Pete, has shared his personal experience highlighting the importance of accepting the lung health check offer. His full story can be watched on our YouTube channel.

Eligible patients, who are current or past smokers aged between 55 and 74, will automatically receive an invitation letter from their GP practice to discuss their lung health with a nurse or healthcare professional. If they are found to have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, they will be offered a simple and painless computerised tomography (CT) scan.

The CT scan is conducted in a mobile unit, and for the Yateley sessions, the unit will be located at Blackbushe Airport, GU17 9LQ. Please note the site has been kind enough to host the scanning vehicle but cannot provide information on the screening so please do not contact the airport regarding appointments.

For more information on lung health checks and eligibility, visit: https://www.frimleylunghealthcheck.nhs.uk/