Lung Health Checks in Blackburn with Darwen

Hundreds of lung health checks carried out on Blackburn with Darwen residents at risk of chronic disease

More than 3,800 people in Blackburn with Darwen, who are aged between 55 and 74 and have ever smoked, have been offered a special lifesaving lung health check.

A total of 3,825 people received a letter inviting them for a lung health check virtual appointment between October 1 and 15^th based on whether they have smoked in the past.

After further checks on their smoking history, a total of 1419 eligible people then received a further check-up over the telephone. Some 530 were then referred for a CT scan at a mobile scanning unit at Blackburn Rovers Football Club car park at Ewood.

NHS data shows Blackburn with Darwen has a higher than average rate of lung diseases which is why it has been chosen as one of 10 pilot sites for the programme.

Dr Neil Smith, a Blackburn with Darwen GP and Cancer Lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “We are pleased with the number of people who have come forward to engage with the service and take up the appointments that are offered. It could seriously improve your quality of life

“We know Blackburn with Darwen has a higher rate of lung diseases than the national average, due mainly to the prevalence of smoking in the area. A huge number of people could benefit from discovering any lung abnormalities early enough to be treated and to prevent long-term damage.”

For more information, visit https://www.blackburnwithdarwenccg.nhs.uk/health/healthy-lungs/