Smokers and ex-smokers in parts of Kent are being invited to take part in a free lung screening pilot scheme.<\/p>\n
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is encouraging those aged between 55 and 74 to attend, with checks being offered at the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre on Friday.<\/p>\n
The aim of the service, in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and surrounding areas, is to save lives by catching cancer early, the trust said.<\/p>\n
Dr Stefano Santini, clinical director for the lung cancer screening programme for the trust, said: “Lung cancer is often difficult to detect early, and many people do not realise anything is wrong until the disease is more advanced. That’s why this programme is so important.”<\/p>\n
NHS Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance is responsible for the expansion of the programme across Kent and Medway.<\/p>\n
Clinical lead Dr Jonathan Bryant said: “Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer, so it’s very important that people attend their lung cancer screening appointment.<\/p>\n
“The earlier the diagnosis, the more treatment options there are.”<\/p>\n
From now, patients in West Kent will be screened at the Fordcombe site.<\/p>\n
The scheme started in November 2022 and has been rolled out so far across the south Kent coast, Canterbury, Whitstable, Faversham and Herne Bay. <\/p>\n