A local screening programme aimed at detecting lung cancer at an early stage so participants can receive prompt life-saving treatment has passed a significant milestone.
More than 100 patients across Great Yarmouth and Waveney have now had previously undetected cancer identified through the Lung Cancer Screening Programme, allowing them to access treatment more quickly.
Now cancer care clinicians are urging more people to take advantage of the service if they are contacted, to help more people receive an earlier diagnosis and receive treatment when the disease is potentially curable.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with more than 50,000 people diagnosed each year. More than 60% of cases are caused by smoking.
To help identify cases earlier, a targeted screening programme was launched in areas which have the highest smoking rates in the country.
This included Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, where a pilot was run in 2022 which saw 3000 people offered screening, before being rolled out to include Lowestoft the following year.
Now, two years on, approximately 8,000 CT scans have been completed across the two areas to date, and.the programme has identified 102 patients with previously undetected lung cancer, with two thirds at an early stage (stages 1 and 2).
James Paget Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine Dr Venkat Mahadevan said: “The earlier you can detect lung cancer; the more effective treatment will be – and the better the outcome for the patient.
“Lung cancer usually doesn’t have much by way of symptoms in its early stages. That’s why the screening programme is so important, as it allows us to focus on people who might be at risk of developing it – and, if they have the disease, get them the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
“Time is of the essence as people diagnosed with lung cancer at the earlier stages are nearly 20 times more likely to survive for five years than those whose cancer is caught late.”
Key to the success of the project has been effective partnership working between local healthcare organisations including the James Paget, GP surgeries, NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board and the East of England Cancer Alliance.
The screening programme is offered to people between the ages of 55 and 74, who are current or former smokers and therefore at greater risk of lung cancer.
It starts with an initial assessment with a healthcare professional, usually over the phone, where individuals are asked questions about their smoking history, lifestyle and medical history.
If this initial assessment finds there is nothing further to investigate, the patient is then discharged from the programme or re assessed in two years’ time if low risk identified, with their GP informed.
However, if there are concerns about an individual’s lung health, they will be offered a CT scan of their chest, to check for the early signs of lung cancer – and referred for further tests and treatment, if needed.
Dr. Afsar Madathil, Consultant Radiologist at the James Paget, said: “The CT scan performed within this program utilises a significantly reduced radiation dose compared to usual CT scans and does not require an injection. No dietary restrictions or preparations are necessary.
“The scan is primarily conducted at our Northgate Street facility away from James Paget hospital, offering ample free car parking and convenient public transportation access.
“Artificial intelligence is also integrated into the reading of these scans to enhance early cancer detection.”
So far, 25,000 eligible people in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, and Lowestoft have been contacted. The aim is to reach all eligible residents by the end of this year.
However, take-up of the programme currently sits at 44%, meaning that many thousands of people potentially with lung cancer could be missing out on early life-saving treatment.
James Paget Lung Cancer Screening Lead Nurse Siji Dileep urged people receiving an invitation to have an initial assessment to take advantage of the offer.
“It’s a conversation over the telephone which takes no more than 30 minutes – and it could be the most important call of your life,” said Siji. “If you are referred for a scan, it is completely painless and only takes few minutes.
“You don’t need symptoms to be screened. Lung cancer often develops silently, so coming forward when invited is a positive step for your health, not a sign that something is wrong. Even when scans don’t show cancer, they can reveal other lung conditions early, allowing people to access treatment and support that can significantly improve their quality of life,” added Siji.
While the screening programme is focused on detecting lung cancer, it has also resulted the diagnosis of 29 other cancers, allowing patients to access appropriate treatment.
In addition, lung scans have helped identify conditions associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as emphysema. As a result, 6 patients have undergone thoracic surgery to help alleviate their symptoms.
The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is being rolled out across England and will become a national screening programme in 2029/30.
For more information, please go to the East of England Lung Cancer Screening website.