Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities in Greenwich, met with respiratory nurses and consultants at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Foundation Trust on Tuesday 15th September to hear about the new NHS lung cancer screening service they are delivering alongside the NHS South East London Cancer Alliance and in partnership with InHealth Ltd.
The service was first piloted across Southwark in 2022 and has since expanded, with thousands of residents across Greenwich, Lambeth and Lewisham being invited to take part in phases. To date, the service has diagnosed lung cancer in 195 people in South East London, with 75 per cent of cases diagnosed at an early stage.
NHS lung cancer screening - formerly known as the Targeted Lung Health Check - is available to people aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked. The screening service begins with a Lung Health Check over the phone and, if needed, a simple and painless CT scan of the lungs on a state-of-the-art mobile CT screening unit.
The mobile unit has been moving across communities in South East London and is now located at Millenium Way Retail Park in Greenwich Peninsula , making screening more accessible and convenient for eligible residents by helping to reduce travel costs and disruption to their work or caring responsibilities.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar also spoke with staff and patients attending their CT scan appointment to hear about their experience of the service. Reflecting on her visit, Councillor Lolavar said:
“It was a privilege to meet the dedicated NHS staff delivering this life-saving service and hear how early diagnosis has made a difference to residents’ lives. Bringing screening into accessible locations like Greenwich Peninsula helps remove barriers to care and gives more people the opportunity to benefit from early intervention and prevention."
“Addressing health inequalities requires us to work together. Through collaboration between the NHS, local government and our communities, we can make services more accessible and help create fairer, healthier lives for all. I would encourage everyone who receives an invitation to take up this important opportunity. Early diagnosis can save lives.”
Councillor Lolavar also met with South East London resident Elaine Davis, 68, who was diagnosed with lung cancer after attending the Lung Cancer Screening service, despite having quit smoking years ago. Her cancer was diagnosed early, and she was able to return to her role as Customer Service Supervisor at Transport for London (TfL) ten weeks after her surgery.
Elaine is now cancer-free and says that the service is the reason she is here today and can look forward to the future. She said:
“Often people hear the word cancer, and it puts them off getting checked but there is nothing to fear. Getting checked early can save your life. The sooner you get checked, the sooner you know.”
Dr David Walder, Responsible clinician for Lung Cancer Screening in South East London and Respiratory Consultant, introduced Councillor Lolavar to the respiratory nurses working on the unit. Dr David Walder said:
“The Lung Cancer Screening service is an important step to allow more residents who are at higher risk of developing lung cancer to be diagnosed at an early stage, when they can receive curative treatments.”
“We are delighted that Councillor Lolavar has come to meet with staff and patients to help raise awareness of this life-saving service and for encouraging residents to book their appointment if invited.”
“If you know someone who has received an invitation, please encourage them to take up the opportunity to get checked.”
Find out more about NHS Lung Cancer Screening and if you’re eligible, here: www.sel-lunghealthcheck.nhs.uk