A new scheme to help diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage and help save more lives is coming to Bath and North East Somerset from this week. 

Targeted Lung Health Checks, launched by the NHS in Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG), is a new service offered to people aged 55 to 74 who are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer. 

Following an initial conversation with a health professional and, if needed, a simple scan, the Targeted Lung Health Check can identify signs of cancer at an early stage when it is much more treatable – ultimately saving move lives. When lung cancer is diagnosed early there are more options for treatment and a higher chance of survival. 

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: "Sadly, due to there being few to no symptoms at an early stage, lung cancer is regularly diagnosed late. An NHS lung health check aims to find out how well your lungs are working and can help find any problems early – often before you notice anything is wrong. 

"Lung cancer currently causes more deaths than any other cancer in the UK, but if caught early, it's much more treatable and the survival rate is much higher. Attending a Targeted Lung Health Check could save your life." 

Offered to current or former smokers aged 55-74, the Lung Health Check starts with a check-up from a specially trained health professional. If necessary, you will be offered a simple scan to take a picture of your lungs, to check for signs of lung cancer. If you are eligible for a Lung Health Check, you will be sent a letter in the post inviting you to a telephone appointment in the first instance. Individuals may then be invited for a scan following this initial check. 

The Lung Health Check will begin on Wednesday 20 July and will take place at a mobile CT unit located at Bath Community College. The scanning is planned to continue for at least three weeks and the unit will then move onto the next site. The unit will then return in three months to pick up any patients that have been identified for a three-month recall. Safety measures have been put in place to protect both participants and staff members on board the mobile unit. 

Current and former smokers, who are aged over 55 but younger than 75, living in West Bath and registered to the following three GP surgeries: St Michaels Surgery, Junction Rd Surgery and Rush Hill Surgery, Bath will be the first patients asked to take part in this programme in B&NES. 

Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health and Prevention at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "I'm delighted that the mobile unit is coming to B&NES. I urge everyone who is eligible for a free lung health check to take up the offer. When lung cancer is diagnosed early there are more options for treatment and a higher chance of survival. If you are not eligible for a scan, you will still be provided with information and support as part of the programme and can ask questions, discuss lung health conditions, common symptoms and how to get support to stop smoking." 

If you are worried about a symptom of lung cancer, please contact your GP and do not wait for a lung health check appointment. The symptoms are:

• A persistent cough or change in your normal cough
• Coughing up blood
• Being short of breath
• Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Appetite loss

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

For more information and support to stop smoking, cut down or switch to vaping (e-cigarettes) please call our local wellbeing services free on; 0300 2470203 or the Wellbeing Hub on 0300 2470050.