CompletedInterventional

The Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial

Lung cancer is often caught late because it rarely causes signs early on. The Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial is testing whether offering community-based 'Lung Health Checks' across Leeds can find lung cancer sooner, when it is much easier to treat. The study invites people aged 55 to 80 who currently smoke or have smoked in the past. The check-up acts like an MOT for the lungs. It includes a chat with a specialist nurse, simple breathing checks, and for those at higher risk, a quick and painless low-dose CT scan of the chest. Researchers want to see if bringing screening into local neighbourhoods saves lives, reduces late-stage cancer, and helps the NHS plan a future national screening service. The project is led by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and runs until late 2025.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

6,892

Start

01 Sep 2018

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2024

Lung cancer

What is this study about?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, particularly in areas with higher rates of smoking. In its earliest stages, lung cancer often has no symptoms. Because of this, many people do not notice anything is wrong until the cancer has grown or spread, making it much harder to cure.

The Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial is testing a practical way to change this. Researchers are offering people in Leeds a free 'Lung Health Check' in easy-to-reach community locations. This check-up is designed to assess how well your lungs are working and, if you are at higher risk, take detailed pictures of your lungs using a low-dose CT scanner.

Studies in North America have already proven that routine chest scans can save lives by spotting tumours when they are tiny. This trial aims to see how well targeted screening works in the UK, especially in communities that need it most. The findings will provide vital evidence to help the NHS decide whether to offer free lung health checks to people across the whole country.

Key takeaways

Tests whether community Lung Health Checks can find lung cancer early in Leeds.
Open to smokers and ex-smokers aged 55 to 80 registered with participating Leeds GP practices.
Includes a friendly nurse check-up and potentially a fast, painless, low-dose CT chest scan.
Catching lung cancer early means treatments are much more likely to be successful.
Completely free of charge, with appointments held in convenient local locations.

Who may be eligible?

This study is aimed at people aged between 55 and 80 who are registered with a participating GP surgery in Leeds and who currently smoke or have smoked in the past.

Because scans are most helpful for people with a higher chance of developing lung problems, a nurse will assess your smoking history and general health over the phone or in person. Those considered to be at higher risk will be offered a chest scan.

You will not be eligible to take part if you have had lung cancer in the last five years, are living with an incurable cancer, or have already had a chest CT scan in the past 12 months. People receiving end-of-life care or those on a dementia register are also not included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am between 55 and 80 years old.
I am registered with a GP surgery in Leeds.
I currently smoke or used to smoke.
I have not had lung cancer in the last five years.
I have not had a CT scan of my chest in the past 12 months.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your GP surgery takes part, you may be invited to attend a mobile Lung Health Check near you. Taking part is completely free, and the entire visit usually takes less than an hour.

During your appointment, a nurse will talk with you about your health and any chest symptoms you may have. You will be asked to blow into a small handheld device to measure your lung capacity, and the nurse will check your oxygen levels.

If your answers show you could benefit from a scan, you will be offered a low-dose CT scan on the same day. You simply lie flat on a comfortable bed that glides through a ring-shaped scanner. The scan takes about 10 minutes, is completely painless, and does not require any needles, dyes, or injections. If you are scanned, you may be invited back for a second check-up and scan two years later.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is peace of mind and the chance to spot any lung problems or early cancers early, when treatments are far more likely to cure them. People whose lung cancer is caught through screening tend to live significantly longer than those diagnosed after symptoms appear. The main risk involves a small amount of radiation from the CT scan. However, modern scanners use very low doses—about the same amount of natural background radiation you absorb from the environment in a single year. There is also a small chance of finding harmless lung shadows that require further checks, which can cause temporary worry. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you are free to say no or stop at any point without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, England

Common questions

Does the CT scan hurt?

No. The scan is completely painless. You do not need any injections or medication. You just need to lie still on a scanner bed for a few minutes while the machine takes pictures.

I stopped smoking years ago. Can I still take part?

Yes. Past smokers aged 55 to 80 are welcome. The team will look at how long and how much you used to smoke to see if a scan is recommended for you.

What happens if the scan finds something unusual?

If the scan shows a spot or shadow on your lung, the team will contact you and your GP. You will be offered further tests or appointments with hospital specialists to find out exactly what it is.

Do I have to pay for the check-up?

No. The Lung Health Check and any scans are completely free of charge and funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can leave the study at any time without giving a reason. Your normal NHS care and relationship with your doctor will not be affected in any way.

How to find out more

Matthew Callister

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.