A NEW screening programme to detect lung cancer will save lives in Tameside.
Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group have been given £6million of Government funding to roll out a three-year programme.
It will target 10,000 residents who are deemed most at risk of developing lung cancer.
Jess Williams, director of commissioning for Tameside and Glossop CCG, gave the benefits during a presentation to members of the South Strategic Neighbourhood Forum at Hyde Town Hall.
She revealed that over a two-year period it is estimated 217 lung cancer operations will take place and 450 other cases will be picked up in their early stages.
It is hoped the new screening programme will be introduced by the end of the year.
“There is evidence that if we can catch lung cancer earlier there is a very good success rate for treatment and it will improve life expectancy,” she explained.
It was disclosed in the presentation that lung cancer statistics for Tameside and Glossop CCG were “poor” and life expectancy was eight years less in the borough than elsewhere in the country.
Jess explained the screening programme will identify those most at risk, those aged between 55 and 74 who are registered with GPs in Tameside and Glossop and who are on their record as smokers.
She explained there is no national screening programme for lung cancer, unlike breast, bowel and prostate.
Jess added Tameside and Glossop CCG will be taking data from GPs and inviting patients for a 45-minute appointment at a mobile unit.
If they are seen to be at a high risk they will be offered a CT scan there and also a programme to cease smoking.
Jess said: “For the vast majority there will be no action but those deemed at risk will be offered a CT scan.
“And working alongside it will be stop smoking campaigns as well as health and fitness programmes.”