What does the TLHC involve?
The Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC) initiative by the North Central London Cancer Alliance marks a crucial advancement in the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. This program focuses on local residents aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers, aiming to uncover potential health issues at an earlier stage, which can lead to improved outcomes.
Invitation letters will be dispatched by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) after relevant patient information has been gathered from each GP practice.
The lung health check consists of two stages: first, participants will have a telephone consultation with a healthcare professional who will conduct a brief assessment of their risk for lung cancer. If a participant is identified as high risk, they will then be invited for a lung health check and a low-dose chest CT scan, which the TLHC service will coordinate.
Appointments for the lung health check and CT scan will be held at University College Hospital and Finchley Memorial Hospital.
For those eligible for a check, additional information is available on a dedicated website here. If patients have questions about the lung health check that aren’t addressed on the dedicated website or in their invitation letter, they can email [email protected] or call 0800 652 9589.
Why are targeted lung health checks important?
Lung cancer often remains undetected in its early stages because it typically shows no signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, fewer than 20% of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer survive for five years or longer. Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHCs) aid in identifying cancer earlier, when curative treatments are more viable. So far, 80% of lung cancers detected through the TLHC program have been at stage 1 or stage 2, compared to just 30% without such interventions.
What to expect from us at The Village Practice
- Our clinicians might engage in opportunistic discussions with patients who qualify for the TLHC program to assist them in making informed decisions about attending their appointment when invited.
- Our staff will ensure patients’ smoking status is updated in their records, if it hasn’t been done already, as this is essential for sending invitations to eligible individuals.
- Our staff will encourage those eligible for a check to learn more about TLHC by sharing the TLHC website and pointing out posters in the practice.