A mobile lung screening unit in Gloucestershire has diagnosed over 25 lung cancers in its first year of operation, offering a potentially life-saving early detection service to current and former smokers.
The InHealth mobile unit, currently stationed at Forest Hills Golf Course near Coleford, provides “lung MOTs” to individuals aged 55 to 74 with a history of smoking. Patient John Bannister described the experience as “friendly” and “easy,” emphasizing the non-invasive nature of the screening process.
The initiative is part of a broader national plan by the National Health Service (NHS) to expand mobile screening units across the country by 2030, with the goal of diagnosing 75% of cancers at stage one or two. According to an NHS spokesperson, over 40,000 people across the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) region have been screened, leading to the discovery of almost 450 previously undiagnosed lung cancers.
Dr. Anne Bibby, clinical director of lung cancer screening for SWAG, explained that the CT scanner used in the mobile unit provides significantly more detailed imaging than a traditional chest x-ray. She highlighted the accessibility of the service, noting that units are strategically located in places like Tesco supermarkets and golf courses to minimize disruption to daily life. “You can get on with your shopping, get on with your day – so It’s not a big deal,” she said.
The scheme prioritizes accessibility through free parking and a streamlined assessment process. Sadaf Haque, GP Clinical Lead for Cancer at NHS Gloucestershire, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “Lung cancer is common, and it is preventable if it is caught early. Weeks matter with lung cancer, it can spread quickly so catching it early is so important.”
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust too operates a mobile cancer care unit, named ‘Helen,’ which was recently upgraded after 17 years of service. Originally launched in 2007 as the world’s first mobile cancer care unit, ‘Helen’ now visits Cinderford, Stroud and Cirencester, providing systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) to patients after they begin treatment at Cheltenham General Hospital. The unit supported over 1,820 patient visits in the past year, reducing pressure on hospital oncology departments.
Dr. Henry Steer, lung cancer lead for Gloucestershire and SWAG, indicated that the screenings are focused on identifying nodules in the lungs. The mobile units are currently operating, with plans for continued service and expansion across the country.
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