Lung Cancer Screening reaches key milestones in improving outcomes for Frimley Health and Care patients

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme continues to make a significant difference for patients across the Frimley Health and Care area.

Since its introduction three years ago, 87 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer through the programme. Of these, 80.5% were diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. By comparison, outside of the screening programme, only around three in ten lung cancers are typically identified early.

This achievement comes as we mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November. The programme is helping to transform the way lung cancer is detected, enabling earlier diagnosis and improving outcomes for patients.

Lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Screening therefore plays a vital role in identifying the disease sooner, improving treatment options and survival rates. The high proportion of early diagnoses reflects the commitment and teamwork of staff across both primary and secondary care who are helping to deliver the programme.

Eligible people aged 55 to 74 years who are current or former smokers are invited by letter to take part. The first step is a Lung Health Check, where individuals speak to a healthcare professional about their lung health.

Those found to be at higher risk of developing lung cancer are offered a Computerised Tomography (CT) scan. This simple, painless scan takes place in a mobile unit located in convenient community settings such as supermarket car parks.

The programme was first launched locally in summer 2022 and has since expanded to cover a wide range of locations including Aldershot, Farnborough, Slough, Yateley and is currently in Bracknell, with further rollout planned.

From December, the scanner will be moving from South Bracknell to the North of the patch and will be located at Access Self Storage in Bracknell, with scanning dates scheduled for 17–23 December and 27–30 December.

To date, 28,094 people across the Frimley Health and Care area have been invited for screening. The NHS ambition is for Lung Cancer Screening to reach 100% of the eligible population by March 2030.

By continuing to expand access and raise awareness, the programme is helping more people across Frimley Health and Care to benefit from earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved chances of recovery.

For more information visit: frimleylunghealthcheck.nhs.uk/