NHS Lung cancer screening programme launches in Horley
Eligible residents invited for free lung health checks
An NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme has been launched in Horley, marking the first time Surrey residents can take part in the initiative.
The programme aims to catch lung cancer earlier by offering free lung health checks to people aged between 55 and 74 who smoke or used to smoke. It follows a successful trial in Sussex and coincides with November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Local patients who meet the criteria will be invited to attend appointments where specialist teams can assess their lung health and, if necessary, refer them for further tests.
Dr Tom Rustom, local GP and clinical director in East Surrey, explained:
“Most lung cancers are diagnosed late, because in the early stages people often don’t have symptoms. If it’s found early, it can be treated much more easily and sometimes even cured.
Picking it up early saves lives. For most people the scan will come back normal, giving peace of mind — but for those where cancer is detected, treatment can start sooner and could literally save their life.”
He highlighted the success of the programme in neighbouring Sussex, where around 100,000 people have already been invited for screening. More than 300 cases of lung cancer have been diagnosed, with 80% caught at an early stage — meaning patients could be treated more effectively and outcomes improved.
Dr Rustom added: “If you get the letter through the post, please take up the offer. The scan is painless, it takes just 10 minutes.
For most people, the result will be normal and that’s peace of mind. But for those where something is picked up, treatment can begin sooner and that could save your life.”