Early Detection Matters: New Lung Cancer Screening for Eligible Patients in Telford
- Alex Richards
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
We are pleased to share that Court Street Medical Practice will soon be supporting a new Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) programme, which is gradually rolling out across the country. This important initiative is designed to help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is more effective and the chances of recovery are much greater.
What is the Lung Cancer Screening Programme?
The programme invites people at higher risk of developing lung cancer to a free Lung Health Check. This involves a short discussion with a health professional about your overall lung health and lifestyle. In some cases, you may be offered a simple, low-dose CT scan of your lungs.
The national Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) programme is operated by NHS England and is contributing to the NHS Long Term Plan to improve early diagnosis and survival for those diagnosed with cancer.​ The aim is to spot potential problems early – before symptoms appear – giving people the best chance of successful treatment.
Beginning in September 2025, the roll-out of the LCS Programme across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (STW) will be phased over 4 years, prioritising areas with highest deprivation levels first.
Who will be invited?
Initially, the programme is being offered to people aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked. If you are in this group, you may receive an invitation to attend a Lung Health Check. You don’t need to do anything until you are contacted directly.
What happens at a Lung Health Check?
You will meet with a specially trained nurse or health professional to talk about your lung health.
You may be asked questions about your smoking history, lifestyle, and family history.
If you are considered at higher risk, you might be offered a quick and painless CT scan to take a closer look at your lungs.
This scan can pick up changes in the lungs long before you would notice any symptoms.
Why is this important?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, often because it is diagnosed too late. By taking part in this programme, many more people will have their lung cancer spotted earlier, giving them more treatment options and better outcomes.
Approximately three quarters of people who are diagnosed with lung cancer through the programme are caught at an early stage (stages 1 or 2), when lung cancer is easier to treat.
What this means for our patients in South Telford
Court Street Medical Practice is proud to be part of this national initiative. The screening programme is gradually expanding across the country, and patients registered with practices in South Telford will soon begin receiving invitations.
If you are invited, we strongly encourage you to take part. Even if you feel well, this is a valuable opportunity to check in on your lung health and potentially catch problems before they become serious.
Why you should attend even if you feel well
Where can I find out more?
For more details about the Lung Health Check and how it works, please visit the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation website: