Early detection of lung cancer saves lives

March 4, 2024

One of our patients has spoken about the importance of the targeted lung health checks (THLC) after revealing how an early test saved her life.

Janet Cowley, from West Bromwich, was diagnosed with cancer after she had a routine X-ray for a shoulder replacement which found a lesion on her lung.

After catching the disease early, doctors were able to operate to remove the organ and she is now on the road to recovery.

However, Janet is raising awareness of the TLHC, after her brother was diagnosed with lung cancer at the same time – but sadly passed away after it was caught too late.

The TLHC is part of a national drive to screen current and past smokers, and those aged 55-74, to detect any problems with their lungs. In the Black Country, it’s currently being rolled out by the Trust to patients who have a Sandwell GP.

Those who fit the criteria will be sent out an invite to attend an appointment. If a CT scan is needed, it’s carried out on a mobile van which is in a convenient place, such as a supermarket car park or at a central location. The first cohort of patients were seen at the Mecca Bingo, in Oldbury.

Janet, aged 74, said: “I am one of the lucky ones, but my brother wasn’t. After my operation I was able to spend every waking hour with him as we found out he was incurable. I would sit with him at night, talking to him.”

In this video, Janet talks more about why early detection is so important. You can watch the video below:

Dr Arvind Rajasekaran, who has been a Respiratory Consultant at the Trust for 17 years, said: “The check is like an MOT for your lungs and is carried out by specialist nurses.

“These checks can help to spot any problems early, often before you even notice that anything is wrong. If a problem with your breathing or lungs is found early, treatment could be simple and more successful. Your lungs work hard every minute so it’s really important that you get them checked out as you get older.”