Lung cancer screening scheme begins in south Devon

The NHS has started screening residents in south Devon for lung cancer

The NHS has started a programme aimed at screening about 45,000 people in south Devon for lung cancer.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust will offer lung cancer screening to people aged between 55 and 74 who have ever smoked and are registered with a participating GP in the area.

Himali O'Regan, clinical lead for the programme, said it was "absolutely vital in helping us detect lung cancer at the earliest opportunity".

"The earlier any form of cancer is detected, the better the outcome for the patient as it gives us a better chance of achieving a cure," he added.

The trust said over the next two years, about 45,000 people would receive a letter offering them a phone call with a medical professional to asses the risk of cancer.

Following that call, some people would be invited to a free lung cancer screening.

If the results of the scan show signs of anything of concern, the patient would be referred for further lung scans and treatment at Torbay Hospital.

The screenings take place in a mobile unit currently parked at Sainsbury's car park in Newton Abbot.

Michelle Weston, from the Peninsula Cancer Alliance, which is co-ordinating the screening scheme, said: "Due to there being few to no symptoms at an early stage, lung cancer is regularly diagnosed late."

"Attending a lung cancer screening appointment could save your life," she added.