The NHSʼs car-park based cancer screening shows amazing results - finding twice more early-stage cases than regular checks (which is way better than expected)
Mobile scanning trucks parked at super-markets sports venues and town squares have checked thousands of people since the programs start about 5 years ago. The results are clear: 76% of cancer cases were found early on while regular checks across UK only catch 29% at early stages
The program focuses on current and ex-smokers aged 55-74 who get a quick health chat and CT scan if needed. Its a smart way to catch issues before they get worse - patients found early are 20 times more likely to live longer
These lung checks can save lives‚ and its fantastic that NHS has been able to diagnose thousands at an early stage when lung cancer is potentially curable
Here are the main signs to watch for:
* Long-lasting cough thats getting worse
* Blood in cough
* Hard time breathing
* No energy all the time
* Weight-loss with no reason
The check-up program (which started in high-risk areas) shows good progress: thereʼs been a 7.4% boost in finding early cases compared to pre-covid times. Michelle Mitchell from Cancer Research UK points out that lung cancer is still the deadliest type - but these community-based checks are making real change
The NHS wants these life-saving checks available everywhere by 2030‚ bringing much-needed medical care right to peoples doorsteps