Hundreds of people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are being offered support to quit smoking through the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, helping them take positive steps to improve their health and reduce their risk of lung cancer.

The programme not only aims to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is more effective and more lives can be saved, but also provides current smokers with access to free local stop smoking services.

Dawn, and her partner David, from Telford, recently completed the 12-week Stop Smoking Programme. They said:

“We always kept saying we should stop smoking but never really tried to stop. It was the lung cancer screening results which focused our smoking cessation as a health priority. We were asked if we wanted to join the Stop Smoking Service, which we did. Best thing we've ever done for our health. We haven't found it easy, but we have achieved our goal.”

How Lung Cancer Screening works

The Lung Cancer Screening programme is being rolled out across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin over the next few years. Initially, around 62,000 eligible people will be invited to take part, with thousands more invited each year as they become eligible.

People who take part receive a free Lung Health Check over the phone. During this conversation, a healthcare professional assesses their lung cancer risk and discusses ways to improve their lung health.

Current smokers are offered a referral to their local council-run stop smoking service provided by Telford & Wrekin Council's Healthy Lifestyles service and Shropshire Council's Healthy Lives service.

Participants identified through their Lung Health Check as being at a higher risk of developing lung cancer are also invited for a low-dose CT scan provided by Alliance Medical. These scans are repeated at least every two years until they reach the age of 75 or lung cancer is detected.

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Supporting healthier lifestyles

Both local stop smoking services are designed to be accessible, flexible and tailored to people’s needs. They provide a 12-week behavioural change programme alongside:

• nicotine replacement therapy where appropriate
• support available in community settings
• telephone and video appointments.

Accepting a referral to a stop smoking service is a starting point for people to take positive action, improve their health and reduce their risk of developing a range of smoking-related illnesses including lung cancer.

Early signs of success

Just months after launching, the Lung Cancer Screening programme is already demonstrating how combining early diagnosis with stop smoking support can deliver real health benefits.

To date, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Healthy Lifestyles Stop Smoking Service has received 1,140 referrals through the programme, with more than 51% of those referred now booked for an appointment.

The service is also reporting significant quit milestones:

• 240 participants have successfully reached their four-week quit milestone, with more expected to reach the same stage in the coming weeks.
• 165 participants have successfully achieved 12 weeks smoke-free.
• Some participants have quit using behavioural support alone, without nicotine replacement therapy.
• Clients are now beginning to reach their six-month quit milestone.

What our participants are saying

Behind these figures are individual stories of significant and sustained behaviour change.

One client, who smoked their first cigarette at the age of six, has now achieved 12 weeks smoke-free. Reflecting on their experience, they said:

“The support and encouragement I received made all the difference. I feel healthier, don’t miss smoking, and I’m around £200 a month better off.”

Another participant, who was smoking between 40 and 60 cigarettes per day, reduced their consumption to 20 cigarettes per day within the first week of engaging with the service and is now working towards a planned quit date.

Proactive follow-up is also helping the service reach people who may not initially have intended to quit. One client said:

“I had no intention of picking up the phone when you called. The lady from the Lung Cancer Screening Service said you would, but I had no intention of quitting. After speaking to you, I’m glad I did.”

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What our partners are saying

Dr Emma Crawford, Clinical Director for the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Lung Cancer Screening programme, said:

“These early smoking cessation outcomes are incredibly encouraging. It is clear that by referring participants to their local stop smoking service, the Lung Cancer Screening programme is helping people access the support they need at a time when they may be more motivated to make a change.”

Cllr Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All, said:

"These figures speak for themselves, but it's the stories behind them that really matter. To see so many residents - many of whom had smoked for decades - take that first step and go on to quit for good is testament to the incredible work of our Healthy Lifestyle Team and our NHS partners. Quitting smoking is one of the single best things anyone can do for their health, and this programme is proving that it's never too late to make that change, with the right support in place."

Creating a wider community impact

The positive impact is also extending beyond those directly referred through the Lung Cancer Screening programme.

The stop smoking services are now receiving referrals from family members who have decided to seek support themselves after seeing relatives engage with the programme. This is creating opportunities for healthier lifestyle changes to spread beyond individual Lung Cancer Screening participants and into households and communities across the region.

Looking ahead

These early smoking cessation outcomes highlight the wider benefits that can be achieved when screening, prevention and community support services work together.

As the Lung Cancer Screening programme continues to expand across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, even more people will take advantage of the support available - helping them make positive lifestyle changes, improve their health and reduce their future risk of lung cancer.