The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) officially opened the programme at an event in Royal Victoria Place on 30 October. The screening team met residents, explained the checks, and encouraged eligible individuals to participate. Partners from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and One You Kent also supported the event, focusing on lung health, smoking cessation, and early diagnosis.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the leading cause of cancer death. This programme aims to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is more effective and survival rates are higher. Early adopter sites in England have already reported detecting most cancers at stages 1 and 2.
During the lung health check, a trained nurse will discuss breathing, lifestyle, and medical history, and monitor height, weight, and blood pressure. Patients requiring further investigation may be offered a low-dose CT scan of the lungs locally.
“"Lung cancer is often difficult to detect early, and many people don’t realise anything is wrong until the disease is more advanced. That’s why this programme is so important. A lung health check is quick, straightforward and designed to be as easy as possible for people to attend. It gives us the chance to spot problems earlier, when treatment is far more effective and outcomes are significantly better. If you’re aged 55 to 74 and have ever smoked, you may not feel unwell or have any symptoms - but you are still at higher risk. This check is a simple opportunity to understand your lung health and take action if needed. It could make a life changing difference for you or someone you care about."
MTW provides cancer services to approximately 2 million people across Kent, Medway, and East Sussex through the Kent Oncology Centre, which is noted as one of the country's best-performing centres.
