55
People
Number of people in A&E department
4:50
Hours
Average wait to be seen by a clinician
3:46
Hours
Average time in the department
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung Cancer Screening helps find problems early, usually before you notice anything is wrong and at a stage when treatment could be simpler and more successful. Lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which can lead to late diagnosis. Most lung cancers grow slowly enough to be detected early through screening.
Lung cancer risk is higher in people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke. If you’re in this age group, and your GP has a record of you being a smoker or having ever smoked you will be invited to attend a Lung Cancer Screening appointment.
The Lung Cancer Screening process
Lung Cancer Screening is a two-step process.
- The initial assessment is conducted over the telephone and take about 20 minutes to complete. You will be asked a number of questions about your overall lung health, lifestyle and medical history, this enables your chances of developing lung cancer to be evaluated.
- If you are identified as someone who has a higher chance of developing lung cancer you will be invited to have a CT scan. This checks for early signs of lung cancer. CT scans will take place at Royal Berkshire Hospital and take only a few minutes to complete.
Please inform us of any additional needs ahead of your appointment as adjustments can be made to support you.
Results
You will receive your results within four weeks of the CT scan. If a follow up is needed you will be advised what the next steps are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roll out of Lung Cancer Screening will take several years. You will receive an invitation letter when your GP practice is invited to participate in the programme, provided you are between 55 and 74 years old and are recorded as a current or past smoker on your GP record. Please contact your GP to ensure your smoking history is up to date.
The Lung Cancer Screening Service is by invite only. If you are eligible for the service you will receive an invite when it is rolled out to your GP practice.
If you are eligible for Lung Cancer Screening you will receive an invite when it is rolled out to your GP practice, providing you are aged 55-74 and recorded as a current or past smoker on your GP record. Please contact your GP to ensure your smoking record is up to date.
Lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. Lung Cancer Screening helps find problems early, usually before you notice anything is wrong and at a stage when treatment could be simpler and more successful. We strongly recommend you take up the invitation for lung cancer screening even if you feel well.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of lung cancer, however as a previous smoker you still have an increased risk of developing lung diseases. We strongly recommend you take up the screening invitation if you receive one.
Lung cancer risk is higher in people who smoke or used to smoke. However, anyone can get lung cancer so if you have any concerns or are experiencing symptoms, contact your GP practice.
No, people who smoke or used to smoke any tobacco product may be eligible for lung cancer screening, this includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars, roll ups, hookahs or shishas.
SmokeFreeLife Berkshire is a free smoking cessation service which can provide behavioural support, alongside free Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), stop smoking medications, and e-cigarettes to help you on your quit journey. Support is available both face-to-face or over the telephone. You can self-refer today by calling them on 0118 449 2026 or by filling out the self-referral form at www.SmokeFreeLifeBerkshire.com.