Publish date: 15 November 2021
Kirkby residents are being urged to look after their lungs and have a check-up.
Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHCs) are a simple test to see how well your lungs are working.
They are now available in Kirkby to people aged 55-74, who have ever smoked and who are registered with a GP practice in the area.
Those eligible will receive a letter from the NHS inviting them to make an appointment with the TLHC team.
Most people who attend a check will receive a clean bill of health and those who do subsequently feel very reassured.
One of the main aims of the check, however, is to diagnose lung cancer at the earliest opportunity, when treating it is easier and more successful.
Lung cancer is a major issue in Kirkby and Knowsley as a whole, with local incidence 73% higher than the national average and the majority of people diagnosed at late stage, when curative treatment is usually no longer available. Targeted lung health checks can significantly improve earlier diagnosis within the region and save lives.
Those eligible will have telephone appointment with a nurse. They then may be invited for a low dose CT scan which will be done in a mobile scanner in Kirkby Leisure Centre car park.
Jo attended a similar programme in Liverpool and was diagnosed with early stage lung cancer despite having no symptoms. She has since had surgery to remove the tumour and is now fully recovered.
She said: “I’m at the stage where I really can’t believe how lucky I have been. To be back now and feeling fit, joining in with things that make up the fabric of my life is pretty amazing.”
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation will be hosting a community event on Friday (November 19th) to give people from Kirkby the chance to find out more about the checks.
The event will take place at Kirkby Shopping Centre and the team will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about the programme and encourage those eligible to attend.
They will also be raising awareness of signs and symptoms of lung cancer and promoting general lung health to those who are ineligible for the check.
Targeted lung health checks will be available to people in Knowsley until the end of December.
For more information on TLHCs, watch this video.