A dedicated Lung Cancer Screening Programme has been introduced for local people aged between 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers.
GPs are writing to eligible patients to invite them to take part in the screening which involves a telephone appointment with a healthcare professional focused on breathing, overall lung health, lifestyle, and family history.
If necessary, the next step is referral for a low dose, painless CT scan at a mobile scanner, parked in a convenient place - not too dissimilar to breast cancer screening vehicles.
Dr Mark Watson, Respiratory Consultant, says: “This screening programme is a vital weapon in the fight against lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
“For many, lung cancer presents late due to a lack of symptoms; however, the Lung Cancer Screening aims to address this by picking up early cancers.
“Even a light smoker who gave up decades ago could be at risk.”
Early detection is crucial: 80% of lung cancers found through the screening programme have been at stage 1 or stage 2, compared to 30% without this kind of intervention.
Patients outside of the 55 to 74 age group who are concerned about their symptoms should still contact a health care professional especially if: coughing up blood; experiencing a persistent cough or change to a normal cough; suffering unexplained tiredness or weight loss; aches or pain when breathing or coughing, or appetite loss.
Following a scan there could be the following outcomes:
- No abnormalities – this means no signs of lung cancer or other abnormalities were found. The patient will be written to with the results and invited back for a scan in two years.
- Further scan is needed – something was seen on the scan which could be harmless, but it could also be more serious. The patient will be written to with the results and invited back for another scan.
- Abnormal Result – Something showed as abnormal on the scan and the patient needs further investigations. They will be contacted by phone to be advised on the result and an ongoing plan will be discussed. The patient will also be referred to the appropriate speciality within the hospital for ongoing management.
- Incidental Finding – No signs of lung cancer but there are signs of other problems that may need further treatment or advice. The patient will be written to and asked to have a review with their GP for further management.
Yes. If the patient lives in our area and meets the eligibility criteria they are welcome to refer themselves to the service. This can be done by using the following contact details:
Tel: 0800 0982945
Email: mdltd.info.lcshampshire@nhs.net
We are working with an organisation called Medispace who are providing capability including the screening vehicles; however, Hampshire Hospitals is responsible for the programme, and has clinical oversight and governance for the programme.
The HHFT team includes:
- Dr Mark Watson – Clinical Director
- Dr Jonathan Owen – Responsible Clinician
- Dr Claudia Tentugal – Responsible Radiologist
- Rachel Hardstaff – Responsible Assessor
- Jo Quinn -Programme Manager
- Katrina McEvoy – Project Manager
- Angie Coney – Administrator
