Targeted Lung Health Checks) for eligible current or former smokers aged 55-74 in specific areas of England, via invitation through your GP, focusing on early detection with low-dose CT scans to save lives. The scan costs the NHS £ 750 from tax payers money.

 

I went for my scan in July this year. On receiving my letterin June I forgot about it. The ramifications only dawned on me when i sat in an air conditioned container: transported by a lorry. As you are put in the scanner you have to hold your breath when you are told. From the intial administration, the appointment took thirty minutes. I was told you will receive the result in a week and sure enough the letter popped through the letter box. I knew who it was from so I sat down  and ripped it open. I was "clear" and they would see me again in five years.

Sometimes i think about my previous smoking years and the years i have quit. It brings it home that apart from all the many benefits of not smoking: the foundation of all them is your health! I smoked for 25 years and will have quit 25 years in 2026. NOPE

It does not matter how long you have quit. Do not ever smoke again! What also matters it that in the near or distant future, it could save your life. NOPE.

Gday 

Yes same system is being set up in Australia. I’m putting my hand up being a forty year smoker. Count me in.

With lung cancer by the time you get symptoms you’re advanced and it’s not treatable. Lost a couple of mates to lung cancer it’s serious and fast. One min your getting your mind around it and the next min they are gone. 
I’ve had  couple of serious cancers and realise that I’m mortal but I’m not ready to go yet. And not for something that’s treatable if found early. 
Bring it on I say
 

 

 

Good news Breath 

Its great the NHS are doing these tests 

I’m sure a lot of quitters with long term quits wonder what damage has been done 

Thanks for your post🐸

Cbdave -Regarding early intervention by CT scan I agree. Two people I know quite well had a scan earlier this year Same age range as me. The first is an avid mountaineer and fell runner. The scan found a small cancerous tumour in his upper right lung. He had the upper section taken out. After drainage he made a steady recovery and is back at work after 6 months. The second is my cousin's wife.  She is still poorly after the lobectomy ( cut out section of lung). Al of us smoked for years. I would always prefer to know. I was diagnosed with mild COPD years ago. Only requires an inhaler. I count myself as lucky.

 

" I meant lobectomy. Not nephrectomy. 

Edited December 26, 2025Dec 26 by breath

Yes, USA law also provides free screenings for high-risk groups. (Former heavy smokers over age 50.) Advocacy efforts are underway to expand eligibility and make the process easier for others. Agree that the scan is a breeze - I’m in and out in ~20 min. Had a former teacher die of lung cancer recently, it’s a particularly tough way to go. Early detection saves lives - get screened!

Gday

The other big killers have screening that can detect cancer early.

Think of mammograms, Pap smears, PSA tests, colonoscopy (and the other one that goes the other way).

The 5 year survival rate ( that’s how you measure cancer there is no “cure”)has increased for so many cancers.

Not for lung cancer hoping this will go someone to bring that survival rate down

 

Great announcement for those who don't know (and reminder for those who already do!).  I had my annual low dose CT scan done on Friday (it is done every year for me).  Just received the results back today which is more comprehensive than "just" the lungs in its detail.  Mine is totally paid for as a high risk former smoker.  (Different eligibility for "Gold Standard" testing here it appears.)  Yes it absolutely saves lives as I'm sure we probably all personally know someone who benefited from this test.  Happy Holidays to all!  

Edited December 24, 2025Dec 24 by Minnie Mouse