Page 16 - Inspire

But this hasn’t changed our focus. Not only could lung health checks have an immediate impact on early
diagnosis, but they could also provide key evidence for the implementation of a national lung cancer
screening programme, something we have been campaigning for since the charity was founded.

So, while programmes have paused, we have been working with some of the Clinical Commissioning
Groups (CCGs) behind the scenes, so once the programmes do recommence, as many people as possible
can take up the invitation, including the pioneering programme in Liverpool.

To date, over 13,000 people have attended the lung health check in Liverpool, and almost 5,000 having had
a CT scan. The programme has diagnosed and treated over 100 cases of lung cancer, as well as other types
of cancer. Significantly, over 80% of those diagnosed were at early stage and treated with curative intent.

Jo Shoba was one of those diagnosed early through the programme, and one of the last people to have
surgery before the programme had to pause. At the time Jo was invited, she felt fit and healthy and didn’t
have any cause for concern:

“When I presented for the healthy lung programme, I had no symptoms whatsoever. I didn’t see myself at
any kind of risk of lung cancer. I suppose the only thing would be thinking about my teenage years when I
did smoke.

I was so shocked when I went on to be diagnosed with lung cancer. I was also very scared. I definitely did
not realise that lung cancer was something you could have surgery for and walk away. It was only when
the consultant used that word ‘curative’ that I first thought ‘Oh! I might just be cured!’

I’m at the stage where I really can’t believe how lucky I have been. To be back now and feeling fit,
joining in with things that make up the fabric of my life, is pretty amazing.”

Despite such a high precedent, uptake remained static at around 40% and the team in Liverpool
recognised they needed to find ways to get more people to attend the check up.

With our vast experience and the success of our own lung health check in Nottingham, they reached out
and we are now working together to increase uptake.

Rachel Arvanitis, of the NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, says:

“One of the biggest challenges we face in relation to the lung health checks is uptake, with average uptake
remaining around 40% of the total invited population. In 2019, Liverpool CCG commissioned Roy Castle
Lung Cancer Foundation to improve the communications and engagement approach for the programme.

Together, we can save more lives.”