On 1 December, a new Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) Programme was launched for people living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. The aim of the LCS Programme is to identify lung cancer early, often before symptoms appear, when treatment is more effective and more lives can be saved.

The programme will start in areas of highest deprivation, lung cancer prevalence and smoking rates, and will be rolled out to other areas across the county over the next 4 years. It forms part of a national NHS programme which is aiming to achieve 100% coverage across England by 2029.

Dr Emma Crawford, Clinical Director of the Programme, said:

“Early detection is absolutely critical in improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. This new screening programme will enable us to identify potential problems before symptoms develop, when treatment is more effective and lives can be saved. By bringing CT scanning directly into our communities and focusing on those at highest risk, we are giving thousands of local people access to a service that could genuinely change, and even save, their lives. I strongly encourage everyone who is invited to take up the offer of a lung health check.”

Harvir Singh, Senior Programme Manager for Early Diagnosis at the West Midlands Cancer Alliance said:

“We’re thrilled the Targeted Lung Cancer Screening Programme is now live in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin - marking the seventh area to go live across the West Midlands. The rollout of lung screening is already making a real difference in diagnosing cancers earlier. Over the past year alone, 355 cancers have been detected through the programme, with 77% diagnosed at an early stage. This earlier detection gives patients the best possible chance of receiving curative treatment and ultimately saves lives.”

To support the delivery of this, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has appointed Alliance Medical (working in partnership with Xyla Elective Care and Telemedicine Clinic) as its LCS service provider. This new programme is built on a successful foundation of previous LCS expertise gained by Alliance Medical, who have already successfully partnered with 7 other NHS Integrated Care Boards.

The Alliance Medical partnership is responsible for identifying people, registered with General Practice, who are potentially at highest risk of developing lung cancer, i.e. people aged between 55 and 74 years who have ever smoked. For Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, that equates to around 62,000 eligible participants.

Heidi Hiscox, Alliance Medical’s Lung Cancer Screening Programme Manager, said:

“Our primary goal is to maximise uptake for the programme and reduce health inequalities in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and we will be working hard to make sure everyone feels welcome and at ease. We are extremely proud to be bringing our Lung Cancer Screening Programme to this area, to support the reduction of mortality rates from lung cancer and to promote healthier lifestyles in an inclusive, accessible way.”

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter or phone call from Xyla to invite you to a personalised Lung Health Check delivered by specialist nurses over the phone to ensure you receive the right support and advice. If you are an active smoker, you will also be offered a referral to your Local Authority Stop Smoking Service, who will provide expert advice and support (including free Nicotine Replacement Therapy) for up to 12 weeks to help you quit smoking.    

If it is confirmed at your Lung Health Check that you are high-risk of developing lung cancer, you will then be offered an initial Low Dose CT scan, with a repeat scan every two years until you either age-out of the programme or lung cancer is diagnosed.

Alliance Medical will deliver up to 40 CT scans per day from their mobile scanning unit, which will be located within local communities to maximise accessibility and convenience. The scanning facility offers a modern, spacious, and comfortable environment, with good parking and both a lift and ramp to support easy access. Translation and interpreter services will be available for individuals who require language support and longer appointment times for those who feel they need it.

For more information on the STW LCS Programme, please visit.