West Essex

The local roll-out of the national Lung Cancer Screening Programme will start in September 2026 with people at higher risk of lung cancer receiving a letter inviting them to book a free screening appointment. The programme is being rolled out across West Essex and will commence in Harlow  

When you book your lung cancer screening appointment, you will be assessed by a nurse over the phone. If you’re considered to be at risk, you’ll be offered a follow-up assessment and scan on a mobile unit. Only those who meet the criteria and have an up-to-date GP record will be invited. If you think you’re eligible, please make sure your GP has a record of your smoking history.

What to expect

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter or text message inviting you for an initial Lung Health Check.

The initial assessment will take place over the phone or in person with a health professional. During the initial Lung Health Check, you will be asked some questions about your breathing, overall lung health, lifestyle and family and medical history.

There are three possible results from your lung health check:

• No problems found – the health professional may find nothing further to investigate and you will be discharged from the lung health check programme. We will write to your GP to tell them this.
• Referral to your GP – if problems with your breathing or lung health are found, you might be referred to your GP. The team will write to your GP so they know about the outcome.
• Offered a scan of your lungs – If you are assessed to be at a higher risk of lung cancer now or in the future you will be offered a scan of your lungs (a Low Dose CT scan). 

Location and contact details

If you are eligible for lung cancer screening, the NHS will contact you directly to invite you to take part. Eligibility for the programme is determined based on your smoking history recorded with your GP, and your age.

If you believe your records may be outdated, please contact your GP practice to update them. If you are offered a scan of your lungs following the initial assessment, this will be carried out at a mobile CT scanning unit. The location of the unit will vary based on its proximity to participating GP practices.

The mobile units will be situated in convenient and accessible community locations, such as supermarket car parks.