Publish date: 12 November 2025
Cancers found early thanks to ongoing Northumbria screening programme
The NHS lung screening programme in Northumberland and North Tyneside has found dozens of cancers so far, with the majority in their early stages.
The scheme started around a year ago, with eligible patients – current or former smokers aged 55 to 74 - being invited to take part on a rolling basis through to 2027.
The first stage of the process is a telephone call to assess your risk of lung cancer. Those with a higher chance of getting lung cancer now or in the future are invited to have a low-dose CT scan.
In Northumberland and North Tyneside, the checks are carried out by specialist staff at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
So far, Northumbria Healthcare has carried out 7,200 checks. This has led to around 3,000 scans.
From these, 30 cancers have been found and 25 were stage 1 or 2. There were also 6 incidental cancers found – cancers affecting other parts of the body.
David Cooper, consultant respiratory physician for Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We know that finding lung cancer early makes a huge difference to the treatments we can offer and the outcomes, so it’s fantastic that the programme is helping us find these patients when we can give them more options.”
There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at an early stage. As a result, around 7 in 10 lung cancer patients get diagnosed too late to be cured.
Lung cancer screening helps find problems early, often before people notice anything is wrong. It means treatment could be simpler and more successful, and will help save more lives.
The Northumbria Healthcare programme is working around Northumberland and North Tyneside into next year and 2027. If eligible, you will get a letter inviting you for your check.
In the coming months, patients from GP practices in Ashington (NPC Lintonville), Cramlington (NPC Cramlington), Longbenton (West Farm Surgery) and Wallsend (Hadrian Health Centre) should be getting their letters.
Dr Cooper added: “We will be offering a check to everyone eligible in Northumberland and North Tyneside, and we would urge everyone to take it up. However, if you haven’t heard from us yet, please be patient while we work through everyone.
“In the meantime, if you have any concerns about symptoms such as a cough you can't get rid of, coughing up blood, being short of breath, or an ache or pain when breathing or coughing, please contact your GP as soon as possible.”
More information on lung screening.
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