Nearly 10,000 People Take Up Life-Saving Lung Health Checks

Almost 10,000 people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have had a free Lung Health Check since the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme launched, marking a major milestone in efforts to detect lung cancer earlier and improve the health of local people.

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme began rolling out across the county in December 2025. It is being introduced in phases over four years, starting in Telford and Wrekin as this includes areas with the highest levels of smoking, lung cancer rates and health deprivation.

The programme offers a free Lung Health Check to eligible residents aged 55 to 74 who are either current smokers or have smoked in the past. By the end of August 2026, nearly 10,000 people had attended a Lung Health Check. Of those, around 4,500 were scored as high risk and went on to receive a low dose CT scan. As a result, 29 lung cancers have already been found, with over 75% being diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Many of the people diagnosed with lung cancer had no symptoms, which emphasises the importance of getting screened.

June, aged 74, from Shifnal, whose lung cancer was detected at an early stage through the Programme, said: “When I was invited for a lung health check, I felt completely well. Taking part in the programme meant my cancer was spotted at an early stage, before I had any symptoms. Without the screening, I may not have known about it until much later.

“I’ve since had the treatment I needed and, although I’ve still got some way to go in my recovery, I’m very grateful that the cancer was found when it was. I would encourage anyone who receives an invitation to take up the offer of screening. It could save your life.”

Dr Emma Crawford, Clinical Lead for the Lung Cancer Screening Programme, said: “Reaching almost 10,000 Lung Health Checks in just eight months is a fantastic milestone and reflects the positive response we’ve seen from local communities. The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is about much more than detecting cancer earlier. Every Lung Health Check is an opportunity to have a conversation about health and wellbeing, including support to stop smoking. We’re delighted that so many people have taken up that offer and are already seeing significant benefits to their health.”

Since the programme launched, 1,124 people have been referred for stop smoking support which has resulted in 224 people successfully quitting smoking at four weeks and 142 remaining smoke-free at 12 weeks. With the programme still in the early stages of roll-out, these numbers are expected to continue growing.

Katie Baker, Health Improvement Practitioner at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We know that stopping smoking can be difficult, particularly for people who have smoked for many years, which makes these results even more impressive. The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is helping us reach people who may not otherwise have sought support, and we’re seeing first-hand the difference that personalised advice, encouragement and treatment can make. Every quit is a success story, and we’re delighted to be supporting so many local residents on their journey to becoming smoke-free.”

Many of those accessing support have smoked for 40 years or more, with participants reporting improvements in their breathing, blood pressure, fitness levels and quality of life after quitting. One resident said they were able to spend more time with their new grandchild after stopping smoking, while another reported being able to enjoy long walks without becoming out of breath.

Dawn, and her partner David, from Telford, recently completed the 12-week Stop Smoking Programme: “We always kept saying we should stop smoking but never really tried to stop. It was the lung cancer screening results which focused our smoking cessation as a health priority. We were asked if we wanted to join the Stop Smoking Service, which we did. Best thing we’ve ever done for our health. We haven’t found it easy, but we have achieved our goal. David is still a little apprehensive about stopping the patches and I am too, but we are determined not to smoke again. Our health has definitely improved. David’s breathing has improved, and I’m not getting as many headaches or fuzzy heads.”

For local support to stop smoking in Telford and Wrekin, please call 01952 382582 or email healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk. For support in Shropshire, please call 0345 678 9028 or email stopsmoking@shropshire.gov.uk.

To find out more about the Lung Cancer Screening Programme visit www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/our-work/cancer/lung-cancer-screening/

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