This comes after a successful first phase roll-out of the programme by Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance in East Riding back in November 2023, which saw more than 2,700 people living in the Withernsea area receive an invite for a free NHS Targeted Lung Health Check.
A lung health check can help to identify lung cancer and other respiratory diseases early, often before symptoms occur and when treatment could be simpler and more successful.
Past and current smokers, aged between 55 and 74, are being invited in phases and eligible participants, who live in Hornsea and are registered with Eastgate Medical Group, will receive a letter inviting them to book a telephone assessment with a specially trained respiratory nurse. This assessment covers aspects such as lifestyle, family history and any breathing issues.
Following the telephone assessment, participants may be invited for a low-dose CT scan onboard a high-tech mobile unit which is due to arrive at Hornsea Freeport, on Friday, 1 March 2024.
Dr Stuart Baugh, programme director for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme in Humber and North Yorkshire said: "The lung health check service is a vital step towards better outcomes for people at highest risk of respiratory diseases. Not only does it help to provide most people with reassurance that their lungs are currently healthy, it also helps to detect any lung conditions early and supports people to stop smoking if they wish to do so."
The programme first launched in Hull in January 2020 and more recently started to invite eligible participants from North East Lincolnshire and East Riding of Yorkshire. As we continue to roll out the service across Humber and North Yorkshire, we are pleased to start the invitation process for eligible participants living in Hornsea."
An estimated 40,000 eligible residents will be invited to take part in the targeted health checks as the service moves around the region, with plans in place for Hedon and Goole after Hornsea is completed, which are priority areas in relation to the eligibility criteria.
Any participants who currently smoke will also be offered support to quit, should they wish to do so, and all participants will be given a full range of information to support them through the council's free East Riding Heathier Futures programme, in partnership with Xyla Health & Wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, do not wait to be invited to a lung health check appointment to see a healthcare professional. Instead, please get in touch with your GP practice.
Symptoms of lung cancer may include:
- A persistent cough or change in your normal cough
- Coughing up blood
- Being short of breath
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- Appetite loss.
To find out more about the Targeted Lung Health Check programme in East Riding of Yorkshire visit: www.lunghealthcheck.org.uk
