Early cancer detection at 'highest ever level' - NHS

Rapid Cancer Registration Data shows that across all cancer types, 59.9% of cancers diagnosed in Sussex patients were identified at an early stage

The early detection of cancer in patients in Sussex has risen to its highest ever level, according to new NHS analysis.

Of all cancer types, 59.9% diagnosed in Sussex patients were identified at an early stage between August 2023 and July 2024, according to Rapid Cancer Registration Data.

This was an improvement of 2.1% compared to pre-pandemic levels, which corresponds to around 800 additional patients diagnosed at an early stage.

Dr James Ramsay, chief medical officer at NHS Sussex, said: "Early detection means more patients have access to successful treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, ultimately saving lives."

The increased number of cancers being caught earlier follows a major drive by the NHS over the last two years to encourage millions of people to come forward.

Among the initiatives is the innovative NHS Lung Health Check - Targeted Lung Health Check Programme (TLHC) - and Liver Health Programmes.

Since its launch in Sussex in June 2022, the TLHC programme has detected 137 cases of lung cancer, with nearly 75% identified at stages where treatment can be offered with a view to cure.

One of these people was 59-year-old Ginnie Walker from Crawley who received her invite for a lung health check in late November 2023.

It came at a time when she was experiencing a chronic cough and having lost her sister to lung cancer, she feared the worst.

"I felt I had smoked and that I deserved it," she said, "But then I thought about my son, Oscar, and knew I was going to take up the invite."

'Just go'

The scan, performed in a supermarket car park, revealed a suspicious nodule, and further tests confirmed an 18mm cancerous growth.

She underwent a lobectomy in March 2024 which removed the tumour completely.

As it was caught at stage one, she didn't need further treatment and is now cancer-free – and has stopped smoking.

She said: "If you receive an invite for a lung health check, please just go for the scan. They won't judge you. Go for your loved ones."