MTW Launches Free Lung Cancer Screening for Smokers Aged 55-74

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has officially launched a new NHS lung cancer screening programme, aiming to catch lung cancer earlier in thousands of local smokers and ex-smokers.

The programme was opened at a public event in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells on 30 October, with support from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and One You Kent. Anyone aged 55 to 74 who has ever smoked will get an NHS invitation for a free lung health check - a specially trained nurse talks through breathing, lifestyle and medical history and checks height, weight and blood pressure, with a quick low-dose CT scan offered locally if anything needs a closer look. Lung cancer is the UK's leading cause of cancer death, and the point of screening is to catch it earlier, when it's far more treatable - early adopter sites elsewhere in England have already found most cancers at stage 1 or 2 through the same approach. Dr Stefano Santini, the programme's Clinical Director at MTW, said: "If you're aged 55 to 74 and have ever smoked, you may not feel unwell or have any symptoms - but you are still at higher risk. This check is a simple opportunity to understand your lung health and take action if needed. It could make a life changing difference for you or someone you care about."

Source: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust - lung cancer screening programme.