SMOKERS will be offered lifesaving NHS lung checks from middle age in a bid to boost cancer survival rates.
Health bosses have recommended a mass roll out of CT scans in mobile units and trucks based in supermarket car parks, which ministers look set to back.
Middle aged ex-smokers are set to be offered lifesaving lung cancer checks
It comes after a pilot scheme of these checks was able to spot three-quarters of lung cancer cases at stage one or two – this is when the disease is more likely to be treatable.
As lung cancer usually displays no signs or symptoms in its earlier stages, it’s not usually spotted until it’s progressed, lessening the likelihood that it can be cured.
It’s the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 48,500 Brits diagnosed with it every year, according to Cancer Research UK.
Over 70 per cent of these cases are caused by smoking, according to the charity.
The NHS lung screening programme is expected to be formally announced later this year, the Telegraph reported, part of a number of initiatives to improve early diagnosis of the deadly disease.
Downing Street and health ministers are understood to be discussing funding levels for the project following recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) last September.
These will in turn determine the speed of roll out.
According to Cancer Research, lung tumours are the top cause of cancer death in the UK, with 34,800 dying of it yearly – that works out to about 95 people every day.
And outcomes tend to be poor, with survival rates of around 15 per cent – partly because so many cases are picked up at late stages.
Lung cancer checks are already being offered under pilot schemes in more than 43 parts of the country, focused on the most deprived areas.
And charities have said early findings from test schemes are “extraordinary”, with the potential to save 5,000 lives a year.
Symtpoms of lung cancer
Lung cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages and many of the signs and symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions.
But detecting the cancer early if you do have can mean it’s easier to treat.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
having a new cough or a cough most of the time
getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
coughing up phlegm with blood in it
having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
losing your appetite
feeling tired all the time
losing weight
If you notice any symptoms or changes, it’s best to get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.
There are two main forms of primary lung cancer (cancer that begins in the lungs). These are:
Non-small-cell lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma)
Small-cell lung cancer
Treatment depends on the type of cancer and mutation, how far it has spread and your general health.
About two in five people with the condition live for at least one year after they’re diagnosed, and about one in 10 people live at least 10 years.
Source: Cancer Research UK, NHS