Lung Cancer Screening to Launch in North Sefton, Southport and Formby Starting 2026

Lung Cancer Screening is being rolled out to people in north Sefton, Southport and Formby, from January 2026.

Formerly known as Targeted Lung Health Checks, Lung Cancer Screening is a programme for people aged between 55 and 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past.

Significant reductions

This type of screening - which was offered to eligible patients in South Sefton between 2022 and 2024 - can reduce the number of people dying of lung cancer. Reductions are 26% in men and between 39% and 61% in women.

More than 700 lung cancers in Cheshire and Merseyside have been diagnosed by these checks – with most around 80% of people being totally cured of their disease. Nationally, approaching 8,800 lung cancers have been diagnosed.

Increased risk

People in the people 55 to 74 age group who have smoked, or who smoked in the past, are at increased risk of lung cancer. Lung Cancer Screening is an opportunity to have their lung health checked and have treatment early if any problems are found.

Most people will have no problems, but it is best to get checked out because so0metimes symptoms can go unnoticed until the disease becomes worse.

Step one of the programme is a 30-minute health assessment over the phone. If you are assessed as being at an increased risk of lung cancer, you will be offered a low dose CT scan locally in a mobile unit.

Simple and quick

Your scan is simple and quick, and you receive your results about four weeks later. They will also be sent to your GP. The vast majority of people are found to be totally fine and their lungs completely healthy.

Look out for invite

If you are in the target age group and you smoke or used to smoke, look out for a text or letter inviting you to an appointment with the Lung Cancer Screening team.

If you have not been invited for a screening and believe that you are eligible, please contact the team on 0151 254 3032.

Leading the way

Cheshire and Merseyside has led the way in rolling out this screening. They have already taken place in south Sefton, Liverpool, Knowsley, Halton, St Helens. They are now in Wirral and Warrington, and north Sefton, Southport and Formby will follow from January 2026.

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is delivering the Lung Cancer Screening programme across the Cheshire and Merseyside region working in partnership with the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance and local NHS teams.

You can find out more about the Lung Cancer screening programme here.

Use this link to find out more about the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.