# NHS Targeted Lung Health Check and lung cancer screening > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening ## In short There is no universal NHS lung screening programme yet. Targeted Lung Health Checks offer a free low-dose CT scan to current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 in expanding areas of England. The scan takes about ten minutes and can find lung cancer before symptoms start. If you have symptoms, see a GP rather than waiting for an invite. Low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer deaths by finding tumours when surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy can still cure some people. The UK is rolling this out as a targeted programme, not a letter to every adult. Eligibility is based on age and smoking history because that is where the evidence of benefit is strongest. ## Who can have a Targeted Lung Health Check? The NHS offers the check to current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 in participating areas of England. Similar targeted schemes exist or are developing in other UK nations. Your GP or local NHS service can tell you if it is running near you. The scan does not replace seeing a GP about symptoms. A three-week cough still needs checking even if you recently had a normal scan. ## What does a low-dose CT scan show? A low-dose CT scan of the chest takes around ten minutes and does not usually need preparation. It can show small nodules that a chest X-ray can miss. Most nodules are not cancer; some are watched with a repeat scan. If a nodule looks suspicious, you are referred for further tests such as a PET-CT, biopsy or specialist review. Molecular tests on a biopsy can then show whether targeted drugs or immunotherapy might help. ## Does stopping smoking still help after a scan? Yes. Stopping smoking at any age lowers future lung cancer risk, even though risk does not return fully to that of a never-smoker. After about ten years without smoking, risk is around half that of someone who still smokes. The NHS Stop Smoking Service is free. A lung health check may also flag heart and circulation risk. ## Key takeaways - Targeted Lung Health Checks are low-dose CT scans for current and ex-smokers aged 55–74 in expanding NHS areas. - There is not yet a letter to every adult in the UK — ask locally if you are eligible. - Symptoms still need a GP visit even if you are waiting for, or recently had, a scan. - Stopping smoking lowers risk at any age. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer - Symptoms & cough: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/symptoms - Lung health check: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/screening - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Is lung cancer screening on the NHS? Not as a universal programme. Targeted Lung Health Checks (low-dose CT) are being rolled out for current and ex-smokers aged 55–74. Coverage is expanding. ### Does a normal chest X-ray rule out lung cancer? No. A chest X-ray can miss small tumours. Persistent symptoms after a normal X-ray should be reviewed again, often with a CT scan. ### I have never smoked — can I still be scanned? Routine targeted checks are aimed at people with a smoking history, where the evidence of benefit is strongest. Never-smokers with symptoms should still see a GP. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.