Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when symptoms become noticeable.
In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at all, making proactive screening an essential tool for improving outcomes and saving lives.
For individuals at higher risk — particularly adults aged 55–74 with a history of smoking, including current and former smokers — a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can help detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment options are more effective and survival rates are significantly improved.
Early detection allows healthcare professionals to provide timely treatment, monitor suspicious findings, and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Here in Milton keynes, a screening programme will restart in July, with invitations being sent out again from next month.
"Our main aim is to reach as many people in the community as possible so we can help detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment outcomes are at their best," a spokesperson told MKFM, "We originally launched the programme in January 2024, but unfortunately, due to low uptake and funding challenges, it had to be paused.
"Despite this, the programme successfully identified 63 patients with early-stage lung cancer, giving them a significantly better chance of successful treatment and recovery."
If you would like to learn more about the Lung Cancer Screening Programme, or if you or someone you know aged 55–74 who currently smokes or previously smoked would like to sign up, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
Call on 01908 997289 or drop an email to lungcancerscreening@mkuh.nhs.
You can find more information about the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme here:
NHS Lung Cancer Screening Information
