Lung Cancer Screening in the UK: My take on smoking risks and the power of early detection

Quoted in the Daily Mail: What I said, and why it matters

In July 2025, I was quoted in the Daily Mail about the resurgence of smoking among celebrities. Here’s what I said:

“Cigarettes cause more than 70 per cent of lung cancer cases, and the risk has not changed. It’s extraordinary that they are being glamorised again.”

“The idea that vapes are somehow worse than cigarettes is simply not true. They are not harmless, but cigarettes are proven killers.”

You can read the full story here.

My job isn’t to moralise. It’s to give patients, and families, the facts they need to make clear, informed choices. Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer death. Lung cancer treatments are improving all the time, but early diagnosis saves lives. Which brings us to lung cancer screening.

What Is a Lung Cancer Screening Test?

Lung cancer screening is a targeted health programme designed to detect lung cancer before symptoms appear. It uses low-dose CT scans to look for small abnormalities in the lungs, often picking up disease early enough to treat it curatively.

It can pick up any type of lung cancer - small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim is to pick up early lung cancer so that curative treatment options are possible.

What Is a Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening?

LDCT screening is a quick, non-invasive scan that uses a lower dose of radiation to capture detailed images of the lungs. This scan can find signs of cancer at a stage when treatments are more likely to succeed.

Lung Cancer Screening in the UK: NHS and Private Options

What Is the UK’s National Lung Cancer Screening Programme?

The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme offers screening to people aged 55–74, who are current or former smokers, and meet specific risk thresholds set by the UK national screening committee. It’s gradually expanding across the UK — but access varies widely by region.

Those at high risk of developing lung cancer will be called for a low dose CT scan. You will then be called back for follow-up at different time intervals based on what was seen on the scan.

Private Lung Cancer Screening London: What to Expect and Cost

If you’re not eligible for NHS screening, don’t want to wait, or prefer to see a consultant specialist when you attend for screening, you can access private lung cancer screening in London. The eligibility criteria might be different at each private centre, but should broadly align with the NHS screening programme.

One of the trusted lung health checks is the Cromwell Hospital Lung Cancer Screening Package, which includes:

• A low-dose CT scan

• An initial assessment at a lung cancer screening appointment and follow-up with a lung cancer specialist consultant

• Review by a consultant chest radiologist

• MDT discussion and feedback of the results

• Optional onward referral if any findings need follow-up

(Note that the lung scan cost is included in their package price).

An advantage of private lung screening is that if any other lung disease is detected on the low dose CT scan, this will also be discussed with you and appropriate treatment will be recommended. It therefore goes a little further than just lung cancer detection.

How Much Does a Lung Cancer Screening Cost?

Private lung cancer screening costs vary. The Cromwell Hospital costs can be seen here. This  includes an appointment with a consultant, the scan, radiologist review, and clear guidance on next steps.

What Is a CT Scan for Lung Cancer Screening?

A CT scan for lung cancer screening takes high-resolution images of the lungs using low-dose radiation. It helps detect small nodules or changes in lung tissue before they become symptomatic.

What Happens at a Lung Cancer Screening?

At the Cromwell Hospital, you will meet with a lung cancer specialist who will ask you questions to make a personal assessment of your lung cancer risk. You'll then have a low dose CT scan. When having a low dose CT scan:

• You lie flat for about 5 minutes

• The scanner moves around your chest

• No injections, no dye, no discomfort

• Results are typically available quickly

Screening for Lung Cancer: Should You Consider It?

Should I Screen for Lung Cancer?

You should consider screening if:

• You’re over 55

• You’ve ever smoked, or have a family history

• You want reassurance and early intervention

Who Is Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening?

NHS screening eligibility criteria include those:

• Aged 55–74

• With a current or past smoking history

Private screening can be considered more broadly, particularly if you have risk factors or concerns.

How Often Is Lung Cancer Screening Needed?

This will be depend on what is seen on yout first scan. Some people will require another scan in a few months. For others, annual screening or less frequently may be recommended, depending on your risk profile and clinical judgement.

What Are the Risks of Lung Cancer Screening?

Like all screening tests, lung cancer screening has potential downsides:

• False positives (things that aren't cancer, but require tests to exclude cancer)

• Radiation exposure (this is kept as low as possible)

• Anxiety while awaiting results (we support you through this)

But for eligible individuals, the benefits far outweigh these risks.

Does Lung Cancer Screening Save Lives?

Yes - and significantly. Screening identifies around 75% of lung cancers at a curable stage. Without screening, 75% of lung cancers are diagnosed too late for curative treatment. Attending for screening therefore reduces your risk of lung cancer death.

Ideally, cancer cells should be treated as soon as they form. The earlier they are found, the better chance each patient has.

Thinking about private lung screening?

If you're considering private lung cancer screening and want expert guidance, you're welcome to get in touch. We’ll help you understand your options — and what’s worth doing next.

Lung cancer mortality is a serious concern in the UK. As a consultant oncologist, I support both national and private lung cancer screening. I also believe in clear, calm, medically sound information, not sensationalism.

If you smoke, speak to your GP practice about smoking cessation services. Don't wait until the cancerous cells have had the opportunity to grow and spread - have a lung scan. Having another lung condition (such as COPD) doesn't exclude you from targeted lung cancer screening.

If you’re considering screening, or simply want to understand your risk, you’re welcome to:

• Request a private consultation here

• Arrange a second opinion here

• Explore screening through the Cromwell Hospital in London

Visit Cancer Research UK for more information on lung cancer screening here.

You don’t need to wait. You don’t need to wonder.