A lung cancer screening programme rolling out across north and West Cumbria is already proving to be lifesaving.
The programme helps to detect lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective.
The programme invites smokers or ex-smokers between 55 and 74 to attend a free lung health check, where a member of the team will ask questions and determine if the patient would benefit from a CT scan.
Since the programme began last year, over 6,000 people have been invited into the programme with over 1,200 people having a scan.
Adrian Wilson, 70, of Workington, was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer after he attended his screening just before Christmas and is now urging others to do the same.
He said: “I received a text message from my GP surgery, saying as an ex-smoker I had been invited for lung health check which I decided to attend.
“I had experienced some left sided pain in my lung prior to the lung health check but nothing else. If it hadn’t been for the programme I’m not sure I would have acted on the pain.”
Adrian had adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. The small tumour was detected in the upper part of his left lung and he was told he would need surgery to remove it.
The lung cancer was detected in late December and Adrian’s surgery was scheduled for February.
He said: “I went for a pre-op examination after having lots of scans to diagnose the lung cancer. I was admitted to hospital and surgery was explained to me.
“I felt really well advised. I had some pain after surgery which I expected, and I was given some medication to help with this. I was attached to a chest drain immediately after surgery, but I was really relieved to hear that this did not need to stay in for long, and it was soon removed. ”
The surgeon removed the upper part of his left lung.
Adrian said: “It was difficult to move immediately after surgery due to the pain, however this subsided after a little while. I was also given an inhaler from my doctor to help with any shortness of breath. I now try and walk at least 7,000 steps each day to stay active and keep my lungs healthy.”
“I would highly recommend those invited to go ahead and get checked, it could save your life.”
The lung cancer screening team is currently contacting patients from Longtown in Carlisle before moving on to Carlisle Central Practice.
