In this section
How do the Lung Health Checks work?
The checks take place in large mobile health units in convenient community locations such as a supermarket car park, so you won’t have to travel to hospital. They are run by specially trained nurses, who will ask you questions and show you how to do a breathing test.
Why have I been invited?
The checks are for people aged 55 to 80, who are current or former smokers. You are invited whether you feel fine or not, and whether or not you have any known lung problems.
What are the benefits of the Lung Health Check?
- It is FREE
- LOCAL and easy to get to – your check takes place in a community setting close to your home
- TALK through your questions
- No judgements on smoking, advice and assistance on how to quit available
The Lung Health Check will involve answering some questions about your general health, your lungs, you will have your height and weight done, and blowing into a tube called a spirometer (the breathing test) and letting us check your heart beat (there will be no need to undress).
As part of your Lung Health Check you may be offered an ultra-low dose CT scan of your lungs. One of the particular things we are looking for is any early signs of lung cancer as well as other lung diseases. When you come for your Lung Health Check, if you are offered an ultra-low dose CT scan we will explain the benefits and risks of the CT scan to you so that you can make up your own mind up and decide for yourself if you would like a scan.
What will happen after the lung health check?
An expert team of doctors will check your results. We will write to you with your results within 4 weeks to explain your lung health check and any recommendations.
Healthy Lungs
Your lungs work hard every minute of your life.
Looking after them to ensure they stay in good working order is really important. These are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your lungs stay healthy.
Keep active
Everyone benefits a lot from small amounts of regular exercise. It really is worth keeping active.
Eat Healthily
A balanced diet will help protect against infections. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your lungs.
Stay smoke-free
Smoking damages the lungs and is a leading cause of lung disease. Passive smoking is also harmful. Stopping smoking is the most important step a person can take to protect their lungs. If you are a smoker it is never too late to stop and we can provide help to make quitting easier, if you would like to.
Get coughs checked
A persistent cough can be an early warning sign of lung disease. Other symptoms to look out for are feeling more breathless, wheezing, losing weight, coughing up blood or noticing chest pain. Don’t ignore or dismiss these symptoms; go and speak to your GP.