SALFORD LUNG HEALTH CHECKS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AS THEY DETECT 13 CANCERS

A FREE lung MOT offered to smokers and ex-smokers in Walkden and Little Hulton has been deemed a great success after spotting 10 early cases of lung cancer and three other types of cancer within the first five months.

The lung health checks, funded by NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to increase early detection rates of lung disease, was initially trialled in Walkden and Little Hulton inviting 4,165 smokers and ex-smokers to have their lungs checked out.

Half of the people invited for a check booked an appointment, which led to 13 cancers being found as well as other conditions such as emphysema and bronchiectasis (conditions which can cause shortness of breath).

Patients who were diagnosed with cancer are now undergoing the most suitable treatment.

The pilot, supported by Salford City Council and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, is now moving into Ordsall and Claremont with more than 160 appointments already booked from the first set of invites.

Dr Steven Elliot, Cancer Lead at Salford CCG, said:

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“I’m pleased that this pilot is proving a success, helping to detect lung disease as early as possible.

“Smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK and although the checks may seem daunting, it’s really important that people aged between 55 and 74 with a history of smoking book an appointment as it’s best to treat any problems as soon as possible.”

 

If you have a history of smoking and registered with a GP in Ordsall or Claremont, look out for your invite for a free lung health check in the post and make sure you book your appointment. Over the next couple, the trial of checks will continue to move to other areas within the city.

More information on the free lung health checks can be found here: www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/age-well/lung-health-check