Hundreds of lung cancers detected thanks to screening

Almost 900 people in the North East and North Cumbria have been diagnosed with lung cancer thanks to the Lung Cancer Screening Programme.

Three-quarters of cancers found through screening have been at an early stage when there are usually no signs or symptoms. This has allowed life-saving treatment to begin sooner.

The programme invites people aged 55-74 years who smoke or used to smoke for a lung health check. Since starting in Newcastle and Gateshead in 2021, it has gradually been rolled out and there is now a service in all areas of the North East and North Cumbria. Every eligible person will be invited to a check by 2028.

People who are classed as high risk are offered a scan of their lungs. This can find lung cancer early.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

To mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Northern Cancer Alliance (NCA) has released data showing the impact of the programme.

As of September 2025:

• 247,878 eligible people have been invited for Lung Cancer Screening
• 145,204 lung health checks have been carried out
• 85,838 scans have been undertaken
• 885 cancers have been diagnosed, with three out of four of them found at an early stage

Terry Scott, from Walker, Newcastle, is one person whose cancer was discovered because of Lung Cancer Screening.

He said: “I am very lucky that my cancer was picked up when it was.

“I wasn’t going to have a check as I felt fine. Then I thought I would because they were doing it for my benefit. I’m so glad I did.

“I can’t put it into words how grateful I am to the NHS. I would urge anyone who is invited for a check to take it up – it could save their life.”

The former road worker, 76, is now back to gardening following surgery to remove part of his lung in the summer.

Dr Liz Fuller, the NCA’s Clinical Lead for Lung Cancer Screening, said: “Screening is having a major impact on detecting lung cancer early when it is more easily treated and it is undoubtedly saving lives.

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a good opportunity to mark the success of the programme across the North East and North Cumbria and raise awareness of the importance of attending if you’re invited for a check. It also acts as a reminder for people to seek help if they have symptoms which could be a sign of lung cancer, regardless of whether they’re eligible or been invited for a check or not.”

Find out about Lung Cancer Screening in the North East and North Cumbria 

Symptoms

There are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages. Symptoms develop as the condition progresses.

The main symptoms of lung cancer include:

• a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
• a long-standing cough that gets worse
• chest infections that keep coming back
• coughing up blood
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• persistent breathlessness
• persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Less common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
• wheezing
• a hoarse voice
• swelling of your face or neck
• persistent chest or shoulder pain

See a GP if you have any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms.