A programme to detect lung cancer early is now underway in Northumberland and North Tyneside.

The NHS-targeted lung health checks scheme will invite eligible patients to participate from now until 2027.

The programme is aimed at current or former smokers aged 55 to 74.

Specialist staff at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will conduct the checks.

Some patients will be invited for a low-dose CT scan, in addition to discussing potential symptoms with lung nurses.

(Image: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK, but is curable if detected early.

David Cooper, consultant respiratory physician for Northumbria Healthcare, said: "The difference in treatment and outcomes if we find lung cancer early is huge, so I would urge people to have their checks when they are contacted by the programme.

"We will be offering a check to everyone eligible in Northumberland and North Tyneside, but it will take some time so I would also ask people to be patient with us.

"We will get to you."

In 2019, the North East recorded the highest rate of lung cancer in England, with 108 males and 96 females per 100,000.

In 2022, Northumbria Healthcare's screening pilot detected 18 cancers from 420 patients, 17 of which were in the early stages and received curative treatment.

Barbara Short, a grandmother of two, was one of those who was treated.

She said: "I wasn’t completely shocked when the scans and biopsy showed that I had lung cancer after I had smoked for so many years.

"I had surgery to remove the cancer and the care I received was outstanding.

"I feel so grateful that my cancer was caught early."

For more information, visit www.northumbria.nhs.uk/lung-checks.