Published on: 6 November 2025
More than 180 cases of lung cancer have been detected in South Tyneside and Sunderland thanks to a life-saving screening programme run by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Trust is celebrating the success of its Lung Health Check programme and urging eligible residents to take part.
Since the programme launched in October 2022, over 35,000 people have come forward for their check. Around 70 per cent of the cancers found were caught early at stages one and two, making them more treatable.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the UK, often due to late diagnosis. The screening programme is changing that narrative, offering hope and better health outcomes for hundreds of local residents.
Helen Bone, Lung Cancer Screening Programme Manager, shared:
“We have seen some fantastic outcomes over the last 3 years through the Lung Health Check programme. Patients who do need treatment are so grateful that we’ve been able to catch it early.
“The programme is designed to be accessible, with a strong community focus, and it’s been amazing to see how many people have responded. If you receive an invitation for a Lung Health Check please don’t ignore it, it could save your life.”
Lung Health Checks are available to:
· people registered with a Sunderland or South Tyneside GP
· people aged between 55 and 74
· current or ex-smokers
There are two parts to Lung Cancer Screening, the first part is the Lung Health Check which is delivered over the phone for most people and the second part is the lung scan which takes place at hospital.
To learn more or book a check, contact the Lung Cancer Screening Team. Call 0191 4041277, email stsft.stslunghealthcheck@nhs.net, or visit www.stsft.nhs.uk.
