SWAG Targeted Lung Health Check Programme – coming soon!

Lung cancer is frequently diagnosed at a later stage than other cancers because often there are no signs or symptoms at an early stage. The SWAG Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is a new pilot scheme designed to identify signs of cancer at an early stage when it is much more treatable -ultimately saving move lives.

The programme is being offered to people between the ages of 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers and at greater risk of lung cancer. Those eligible will be sent a letter to invite them for a Lung Health Check.

The Lung Heath Check finds out how well a participant’s lungs are working and hopes to identify problems early. Most of the time no issue is found, but if cancer or an issue with a participant’s breathing or lungs is found early, treatment could be simpler and more successful.

Who is eligible for the check?

You must be:

  • Aged 55 and under 75
  • A smoker or have ever smoked (more than 100 cigarettes)

For this programme – you need to be living in central Gloucester, Bridgwater, West Bath, North Bristol, South Bristol or central Bristol and be registered with a GP practice in one of the following PCNs:

  • Central Gloucester City: Inner City PCN
  • Bridgwater: Bridgwater Bay PCN
  • BSW: West Bath: St Michaels, Junction Rd, Rush Hill Surgeries
  • South Bristol: Swift PCN
  • North Bristol: Northern Arc PCN

What happens during the check?

There are two main stages to a Targeted Lung Health Check. The first is an initial assessment with a health professional and the second, if necessary, is a simple scan of the lungs.

Initial assessment

  • If you are eligible, you will receive a letter inviting you for an initial Lung Health Check. At the Lung Health Check, you will be asked some questions about your breathing, overall lung health, lifestyle and family and medical history.
  • Measurements of your height and weight will be taken.

There are three possible results from your lung health check:

  • *No problems found*–the professional may find nothing further to investigate and you will be discharged from the lung health check programme.
  • *Referral to your GP*–if problem with your breathing or lung health are found, you might be referred back to your GP. Our GP surgery will be written to so that we know about the appointment.
  • Offered a scan of your lungs – whether you are offered a lung scan will depend on your chance of getting lung cancer now or in the future. We work out your risk from your lifestyle, medical and family history. The professional will help you to choose whether the test is right for you and book an appointment in. Our GP surgery will be written to so that we know about the appointment.
  • If you are not offered a scan, you will have a discussion with a smoking cessation professional who will discuss next steps.

Lung Scan

The lung cancer scan uses a low-dose CT scanner to take a detailed picture of your lungs, to check for the early signs of lung cancer. It takes place on a mobile truck a mobile truck in a variety of locations within the community, including supermarket car parks.

The appointment will last approximately 30 minutes and you’ll have a chance to ask the nurse any questions.

If your scan results come back with signs of anything concerning, you’ll be contacted either by telephone with further information and referred for further tests and treatment.

Should anything be identified either during the discussion with a nurse or from the CT scan, Within two weeks of your scan, you will receive an outcome letter explaining what your CT scan showed. This will include information around what was found, what it means for you and next steps. A report of this finding will also be sent to your GP practice.

If a minor nodule is found, you may be asked to return for further scans at 3,6,12 or 24 months. If a nothing significant is found, you will be asked to return for a further scan 24 months later to confirm all is well. Your outcome letter will acknowledge this, and you will receive a separate invitation letter to that follow-up scan nearer to the time. This will look similar to the original letter you received, including details about the pre-booked appointment and how to change the appointment if needed.

In the unlikely case we find something that requires immediate action, we will contact you via telephone within days of your scan.

Please wait four weeks to hear from our team. If you haven’t heard after this time, please contact our bookings team on: 0117 233 8127 or email: swag.lunghealthcheck@nhs.net

If a minor nodule is found, you may be asked to return for further scans at 3, 6, 12 or 24 months. If a nothing significant is found, you will be asked to return for a further scan 24 months later to confirm all is well.

For more information on the SWAG Targeted Lung Health Check Programme please visit the programme website: www.swaglunghealthcheck.nhs.uk