A new scanner screen service is coming to Leek Hospital.
University Hospitals of North Midlands lung cancer screening service and TIC Imaging, part of the TIC Health Group, are teaming up to bring a new high tech mobile CT scanner to Leek, which will be used to help save lives.
The lung cancer screening programme – previously known as the targeted lung health check programme – invites past and present smokers from the Moorlands and wider Staffordshire who are aged between 55 and 74 to attend for a scan to find potential lung problems and other health issues early, so that effective and early treatment can be provided.
Lung cancer mortality rates in Stoke-on-Trent are significantly higher than the national average.
In 2021, there was a rate of 43.3 per 100,000 (93 cases) premature deaths due to lung cancer, which was statistically higher than the regional (27.3 per 100,000) and national average (26 per 100,000). Lung cancer was attributed to just over a quarter (27%) of all premature mortality from cancer. Staffordshire also has a higher rate. Dr Imran Hussain, trust clinical lead for lung cancer screening, said: “Lung cancer can often be caught too late as there are rarely symptoms at the earlier stages.
“The programme is designed to check those most at risk of developing lung cancer in order to spot signs earlier, at the stage when it’s much more treatable.”
He added: “We know that early diagnosis saves lives; therefore, we want as many people as possible in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who are aged 55-74, current or ex-smokers to take up this opportunity. Even if your lungs feel fine, it is best to get them checked out.”
Lung cancer screening takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a trained health professional. If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk of developing lung cancer, they will be offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation at the mobile unit.
Taking checks like these out to the community helps bring care closer to home for local people, helping them to be seen and diagnosed more quickly.
The CT scans will take place on the mobile unit, located at Newton House, Leek Head Office, Staffordshire, ST13 5RL and only take a few minutes to complete. It will be available for a limited time from 11th June to early July, before relocating to East Staffordshire.
Anyone invited to attend their lung cancer screening in Leek is encouraged to take up the opportunity at their earliest convenience.
Janet Knight, from Stafford was diagnosed with lung cancer after being invited to attend lung cancer screening.
She said: “My screening experience was wonderful; it was over very quickly, and I had my CT scan appointment soon after.”
Janet’s cancer was found early, which meant that she was successfully treated.
The 74-year-old added: “My advice to anyone who has been invited to the screening is to go for it because there aren’t many symptoms to look out for, and it’s better to attend so you can know for sure, it could save your life.”
For more information on the lung cancer screening programme visit uhnm.nhs.uk/our-services/TLC.
(Photos: TIC Health Group).
