Lung cancer patients attend living beyond diagnosis event

The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme recently hosted a powerful community event ‘Living Beyond Lung Cancer Screening’, bringing together patients, carers, healthcare professionals and support organisations from across the region.

The event was proudly sponsored by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Held to celebrate the impact of lung cancer screening and to strengthen ongoing support for those affected the event provided a platform for open conversation on experiences and learnings.

Healthcare professionals from The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, who jointly deliver the screening programme, reflected on the life-changing importance of early detection, the emotional realities of diagnosis and the crucial role that screening plays in saving lives. However the most impactful moments of the day came from patients and carers themselves, who courageously shared their personal journeys.

For patients like Debra, an invitation to this event was greatly welcomed. “My experience was like a miracle. I did not have any symptoms, I did not know I had cancer. Everyone worked with me quickly and made me feel comfortable, providing me with information upfront for me to do my research, and the team at the hospital was incredible – they made me feel at home.”

Visitors heard from a range of support partners who showcased the services available to individuals, families, and carers navigating lung cancer diagnosis, treatment and life beyond screening.
The conversations and presentations throughout the day highlighted the profound difference that accessible, community-based screening programmes can make, helping to shape future improvements in patient pathways and support services and reduce health inequalities.

Dr Mazhar Chaudri, clinical director of the programme said: “This programme is about finding lung cancer before patients present with symptoms, as historically we’ve picked up lung cancer very late. This programme targets high risk individuals aged between 55-74, who have smoked previously or currently smoke but don’t have symptoms. Following their scan if we find something abnormal, we will investigate it, otherwise they’ll be invited again in a couple of years’ time.

“This event was a great opportunity to hear directly from our patients and carers and reinforced why continued investment in early detection and support services is so important. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their story and to our partners, including the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, for their ongoing commitment.”

Elaine Gilliland, senior responsible officer for The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme said: “It was incredibly powerful to bring together patients, families, carers, clinicians and our wider support partners in one space. Hearing directly from people diagnosed through the programme reminds us why early diagnosis matters so much. The involvement of our support organisations and stakeholders meant people could access advice, information and reassurance on the day, helping ensure no one feels they have to face lung cancer alone.”

Shauna Eddery, programme manager, earlier diagnosis for NHS Cancer Programme, NHS England said: “The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme Patient Information Day was a brilliant event, celebrating the success of the programme and directly seeing the impact the roll out of the programme has had on the population of the Black Country. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from participants of the programme who received a lung cancer diagnosis: what went well and what could be improved. Ensuring the programme is always learning, improving, and delivers for the population.”

Lorraine Dallas, director of prevention, information & support at the Roy Castle Foundation, said: "Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation really valued the opportunity to work with the Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme. This was an innovative approach to our Information Days targeting those diagnosed with lung cancer through the screening programme. The session highlighted sources of information and support for those living with lung cancer and those caring for them. This is a great foundation for building awareness and support in the area."

The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme has reversed a long-standing trend of late diagnosis and is now being recognised nationally as a model for faster cancer detection. When the programme launched in August 2024, around 70% of lung cancers in the Black Country were diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options are limited. Just months on, that picture has dramatically changed with 74% now at an early stage compared to 30% previously.

Anyone previously invited for a Lung Health Check who did not take up the offer can still make an appointment by calling 0121 817 5449 if a Sandwell or West Birmingham resident or 01384 884384 if they are a Dudley resident.