Lung Cancer Screening Programme is coming to Horley | News centre

Giant inflatable lungs, standing an impressive 12 foot in height, took centre-stage in the middle of Horley Town Centre recently to raise awareness of the new NHS Lung Cancer Screening 
Programme launching locally this month.

The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is being rolled out nationally to help find lung cancer early by offering eligible people a lung health check.

Horley residents who are registered with the following GP practices will begin to be invited from the beginning of October:  

• Modality East Surrey Medical Practice
• Smallfield Surgery
• Birchwood Medical Practice 
• Townhill Medical Practice
• Wayside Surgery 

So far, the programme has had significant success across Surrey and Sussex with 291 cases of lung cancer identified, with eight out of 10 of those cases diagnosed at an early stage. 

Crawley resident Ginnie, 60, was diagnosed with lung cancer following a lung health check. She immediately quit smoking and is now back to good health following an operation to remove the tumour.  

Ginnie said:

I was told, because it was caught early, it would be cured by the treatment.

I haven’t had to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

I would say to any smoker, if you receive an invite for a lung health check, please just go for the scan.

They won’t judge you. Go for your loved ones.

Key information for residents: 

• People aged between 55 and 74, who are smokers or have ever smoked, will be automatically invited for a lung health check as the programme reaches their area. 
• You do not need to contact your GP to book into the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme. 
• If you are eligible, you will be invited directly by InHealth, which is working alongside the NHS. The invitation letter will come through the post in a yellow envelope. 
• The checks are by invitation only and based on specific criteria such as age and smoking history. We kindly ask that you wait to be contacted.  
• Find more information about the Lung Health Checks

This initiative is a key part of our shared commitment to improving early diagnosis and supporting better outcomes for people at risk of lung cancer.

Lung cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages, so screening plays a crucial role in early detection. This means treatment is more effective and survival rates are higher.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation event in Horley was attended by representatives from Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance and InHealth, which provides the Lung Cancer Screening Programme in partnership with the NHS.

We would like to thank the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and Horley Town Council for supporting this awareness effort and engaging with the community in such a meaningful way.

The presence of the inflatable lungs initiated meaningful conversations with local shoppers about the importance of early detection of lung cancer and the benefits of the forthcoming screening service for residents.

It also provided an opportunity to learn about lung health and their job within our body.