Lung cancers detected early following pioneering studies



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lung cancer
© iStock / Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen

A lung cancer study, aimed at detecting the disease in patients at higher risk before they show symptoms, identified dozens of cases early.

The Leeds Lung Health Check, involving 73 clinics, has examined 5,600 people since its launch in November 2018. These screenings have resulted in the early detection of over 100 cases of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Yorkshire and, unfortunately, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, meaning treatment options are more limited and survival rates are lower. However, following the screenings, patients diagnosed in the early stages were able to receive surgery and curative radiation therapy.

The multi-million dollar lung cancer trial is a partnership between the University of Leeds, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds City Council, and is funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

It aims to test screening in community settings and provide information to improve the effectiveness and benefit of future lung screening programs. The appointments took place in a mobile unit, traveling through Leeds to locations such as supermarkets and shopping center car parks. The mobility of the projections made it easier for people to participate.

After introducing COVID security measures, including social distancing and personal protective equipment, the research team became the first lung health monitoring service in the UK to return to normal service and continue to make appointments for life-saving lung cancer screenings.

Service is continuing normally under current national restrictions in England, and members of the public are welcome to attend appointments if invited, as medical services are an exception to the ‘stay at home’ guidelines.

Richard Neal, Professor of Primary Care Oncology in Leeds and a general practitioner in the city, said: “This is a unique collaboration between the University of Leeds and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, and is a flagship study for the city. and the region. It has the potential to benefit a great many people in Leeds and beyond in the future. ‘

Dr Phil Wood, Chief Medical Officer of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is a really important study that addresses some crucial questions about the effectiveness of screening, but it also helps address the underlying issues of equality by working in areas of relative deprivation throughout Leeds “.

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