After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lung Health Check Programme has returned to Liverpool, offering renewed hope in the fight against lung cancer. Cobalt, in partnership with Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Siemens Healthineers, has relaunched this crucial service, aiming to detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
The Liverpool Targeted Lung Health Check programme, which ran successfully from 2016 until the pandemic pause, has already made a significant impact. During its initial run, over 120 individuals were diagnosed with lung cancer, most at an early stage.These early diagnoses allow for early treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
Lung cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early. Symptoms are often vague or absent until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, making early detection programs like this one vital.
Dr. Chris Warburton, Medical Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance and Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Liverpool University Hospital, emphasizes the importance of these checks. “NHS England’s Targeted Lung Health Check programme is designed to target those most at risk in areas with the highest mortality rates. Resuming these checks in Liverpool, and expanding to Knowsley and Halton, is a critical step in combating lung cancer.”
The statistics are compelling: when lung cancer is diagnosed at its earliest stage, nearly 6 in 10 people survive for five years or more. In stark contrast, only 3% survive when diagnosed at the latest stage. The targeted lung health checks have the potential to revolutionize survival rates, potentially reducing lung cancer deaths by almost a third.
The programme’s relaunch brings innovative solutions to ensure accessibility. Residents in areas such as Everton, Anfield, Norris Green, and Croxteth will receive invitations for virtual appointments with a lung health check nurse. These consultations will assess overall lung health and, if necessary, lead to a CT scan. To make it even easier, mobile scanners will be deployed within the community, removing barriers to hospital visits and encouraging more people to participate.
Dr. Martin Ledson, Clinical Lead for Respiratory Medicine at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, highlights the broader benefits of the programme. “The lung health check scheme has also diagnosed people with many other conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, and even other forms of cancer. This comprehensive approach ensures that a wide range of health issues are addressed promptly.”
The return of the Lung Health Check Programme is a crucial development in the ongoing battle against lung cancer in Liverpool. It offers residents the opportunity to be screened and promotes early detection. Eligible individuals, particularly those aged 55-74 who currently smoke or have previously smoked, are urged to take up the opportunity for a health check.