People in Bedfordshire are to be offered lung cancer screening as the mobile screening unit prepares to move to Bedford Hospital in the coming weeks.

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is the biggest initiative in NHS history aimed at diagnosing lung cancer earlier. It is intended to tackle health inequalities by visiting communities with the highest numbers of lung cancers diagnosed at a late stage, bringing mobile screening units nearer to where people live and work.

Since it first started in the East of England region in 2019, over 600 people have received an earlier diagnosis of lung cancer thanks to the Lung Cancer Screening Programme. Lung cancer causes more deaths in the UK than any other cancer, and often has no signs or symptoms at an early stage.

The highest number of cases of lung cancer is seen in current and past smokers, so people in this group aged between 55 and 74 and registered with participating general practices will be invited to take part.

Depending on their level of risk, some patients will be offered a CT scan to take a detailed image of their lungs.

placeholder image — Depending on their level of risk, some patients will be offered a CT scan to take a detailed image of their lungs.

Your initial appointment will usually take place by phone, and you’ll answer some questions about your lung health and lifestyle. After that, one of two things will happen as a result of your lung health check:

> No further action, if you’re not at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

> You’re invited back at a later date for a CT scan which will take a detailed picture of your lungs, if you’re at higher risk.

Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s so important for people to take up screening opportunities when they are offered. In 2024 and 2025, the Lung Cancer Screening programme in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes identified 169 cases of lung cancer, most of which were at stage 1 or 2. They also identified 21 other cases of cancer, which might have gone undetected without the screening.

“Just over half of people take up the offer of a screening appointment, a figure which we’d like to be higher. Each case detected early is potentially a life saved. Without screening, lung cancer is more likely to be found at a later stage, making it much harder to treat.”

Malcolm Lawson, Lung Cancer Screening Programme Clinical Lead at the East of England Cancer Alliance, said:

“Over 72% of cases identified through the screening are early stage. We strongly encourage people to take up their appointment. If you have friends or family invited, give them some support, encourage them to get checked out.”