Life-saving tests to detect early lung cancer start up again in Milton Keynes
A life-saving cancer testing programme has resumed in MK following a two-year break.
The lung cancer screening scheme was launched in January 2024 but unfortunately, due to low uptake and funding challenges, it had to be paused.
Despite this, the programme successfully identified 63 patients with early-stage lung cancer, giving them a significantly better chance of successful treatment and recovery.
Now Milton Keynes University Hospital has been given approval to restart the programme from July, with invitations being sent out again from June onwards.
"Our main aim is to reach as many people in the community as possible so we can help detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment outcomes are at their best," said Devie Shaw, one of the Lung Cancer Screening Programme officers at the hospital.
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when symptoms become noticeable.
In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at all, making proactive screening an essential tool for improving outcomes and saving lives.
For individuals at higher risk — particularly adults aged 55–74 with a history of smoking, including current and former smokers — a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can be offered to help detect lung cancer earlier, when treatment options are more effective and survival rates are significantly improved.
“Early detection allows healthcare professionals to provide timely treatment, monitor suspicious findings, and improve long-term outcomes for patients,” said Devie,
If you would like to learn more about the Lung Cancer Screening Programme, or if you or someone you know aged 55–74 who currently smokes or previously smoked would like to sign up, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital on 01908 997289 or email them at [email protected].
More information about the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme can be found here.
Your appointment may be in person, by phone, or online. A health professional will ask about your health and lifestyle to find out more about your risk of lung cancer and offer you a CT scan if deemed necessary.