NHS Introduces Mobile Health Units Checks in Sussex
Mobile health units across Sussex have made a significant impact by detecting over 100 cases of lung cancer. The NHS launched these mobile health units as part of the Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) program to improve early detection of the disease.
Wide Reach and High Detection Rate
From July 2022 to June 2024, nearly 50,000 people in Sussex were invited for lung cancer screening. Out of these, about 30,000 people participated, leading to the identification of 114 lung cancer cases.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Dr. James Ramsay, chief medical officer for NHS Sussex, emphasized the importance of early detection. “This testing allows us to find cancers before patients even show symptoms,” he said. The TLHC program has been especially successful in areas like Brighton, Hove, Crawley, Hastings, and St. Leonard’s, where lung cancer rates and smoking levels are high.
Mobile Health Units Make Screening Accessible
The TLHC program offers mobile health units checks and CT scans in community locations, such as supermarket car parks, making it easier for people to access these potentially life-saving services. This proactive approach helps reach those most at risk.
Improved Outcomes with Early Diagnosis
The mobile scanners have helped reduce lung cancer death rates by up to 61% in women and 26% in men. Most cancers detected through this program are identified at stages one and two, which are the most treatable stages.
Expert Insights on Treatment
Dr. Ramsay, a respiratory specialist, highlighted the benefits of early detection. “Treatments are more effective when cancers are diagnosed early,” he said. “Simple and quick scans give us the chance to offer better treatment options, including surgery or radiotherapy.”
Nation wide Impact
Overall, the TLHC program has detected around 4,000 cancers across the UK, with the majority identified at stages one and two. This approach is proving to be a crucial tool in reducing lung cancer mortality and improving patient outcomes.
The success of these mobile health units in Sussex demonstrates the effectiveness of early screening and highlights the importance of making health services accessible to all
