The NHS lung cancer screening service is now inviting residents of Bedford borough
The NHS lung cancer screening service is now inviting residents of Bedford borough who meet the criteria for the screening programme (those aged 55-74 years with a smoking history) to participate in the programme.
This involves an opt-in invitation whereby the individual will receive an invite letter, giving them the opportunity to contact the service and book a 20-minute telephone consultation with a member of the lung cancer screening service. The consultation will then determine whether they are eligible for and meet the criteria for low dose CT scanning. The scan is usually carried out on a mobile screening unit in Bedford.
As this has just been rolled out in Bedford, the aim is to diagnose any lung cancer at an early stage; national data suggest more than 60% are now diagnosed at Stage 1, leading to significantly improved outcomes.
