Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the leading cause of cancer deaths. Screening is a simple and effective way to find lung cancer or early signs of it before it is serious. This helps to prevent unnecessary deaths.

UCLH delivers the Lung Cancer Screening programme, on behalf of the North Central London Cancer Alliance in:

  • Barnet
  • Camden
  • Enfield
  • Haringey
  • Islington

People aged 55 to 74 years old, who currently or used to smoke are eligible. We identify people through their medical records and send them an invite to take part. You do not need your GP to refer you.

If you think you might be eligible but haven’t received an invite letter, please contact us:

There are three main stages to the lung cancer screening programme:

  1. Phone call – this is to check if you’re eligible for screening. We will ask you questions about your smoking, lung health and family medical history. If you’re eligible, we will invite you to attend a clinic appointment.
  2. Clinic appointment – at this appointment, a nurse will measure your height, weight and blood pressure. They will also ask you more questions about your medical history. If you are at risk of lung cancer, we will invite you to have a CT scan. You can ask questions and the nurse will help you to decide if the scan is right for you. 
  3. CT scan – you’ll have a low-dose CT scan which takes a picture of your lungs.

A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of your lungs, to check for the early signs of lung cancer. This CT scan uses only a small amount of radiation – less than a standard one. While there is a small risk from radiation, the benefit of finding lung cancer early is much greater. 

You should have the CT scan within 30 minutes of your appointment time. You will have a chance to ask the radiographer if you have any questions.

We have three screening sites across North Central London. You can choose to have your clinic appointment and CT scan at whichever is most suitable to you.

  1. University College Hospital
  2. Finchley Memorial Hospital
  3. The Community Diagnostic Centre in The Mall Wood Green

There are four possible results. What happens next will depend on the results you get:

  1. No problems found – this means we saw no signs of lung cancer or another problem on the scan. If we find no problem, we will send you the results and may invite you for another scan in two years’ time. There is a small risk that lung cancer could develop between scans or that the scan may not have detected it. Tell your GP if you notice any unusual symptoms before your next scan.
  2. Second scan needed – this usually means there is something on the scan we need to check again. It is likely to be harmless, but to be safe, we will ask you to come for another scan in about three months.
  3. Another problem found – this means there is no sign of lung cancer but there may be another problem that needs treatment or medical advice. We will write to you and your GP with details of your appointment and any follow-up care you may need.
  4. Further tests needed – this means we’ve seen something on the scan, and you need further tests. If this happens, we will call you to tell you the results. We will refer you to a hospital to see a doctor, have more tests and possible treatment.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the lung cancer screening programme: