Targeted Lung Health Check

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the UK. It is responsible for a range of illnesses, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

When it comes to lung health, spotting problems early can make a big difference.

The NHS is offering a Lung Health Check to people with a smoking history to help reduce the number of early deaths from smoking-related illnesses.

You will be invited for a Lung Health Check if you’re:

Registered with a GP
Aged 55-74
A current or ex-smoker (your GP record must show that you are a current or ex-smoker)

When you receive your invitation, please attend your appointment: it might just save your life.

There are over 340,000 people in the North East and North Cumbria who are eligible for a Lung Health Check. Invites are being issued on a practice-by-practice basis. It will take time for every eligible person to receive an invite, so don’t be surprised if it’s a while before you receive yours.

By the end of 2026/27, all eligible people in the North East and North Cumbria will have received an invite to a Lung Health Check. Keep up to date with what’s happening in your area by checking the local page.

NHS Lung Health Checks will diagnose 3,600 lung cancers across the North East and North Cumbria, many at an early stage when treatment is easier and more successful.