Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way to form a tumour in the lung.

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. Finding cancer early means treatment is much more likely to be successful.

Most lung cancer grows slowly enough for it to be found at an early stage by a low-dose CT scan.

Helping find lung cancer early is why we have set up the Targeted Lung Health Check.

Lung cancer can start to develop between scans and scans can sometimes miss lung cancer. It is important to look out for anything that is unusual for you, especially:

• a persistent cough or change in your normal cough
• coughing up blood
• being short of breath
• unexplained tiredness or weight loss
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• appetite loss

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, see your GP as soon as possible. Do not wait for another scan.

Many people who have been smoking for years and who have tried to quit multiple times have successfully stopped smoking.

If you do smoke and would like to stop, there are friendly, free and local stop smoking services waiting for you to get in touch. You are 3x more likely to quit smoking with help from a Stop Smoking Service.

Contact information for local stop smoking services or contact NHS Smokefree on 0300 123 1044 or visit NHS Quit Smoking.

• Bath and North East Somerset or call 0300 247 0203
• Bristol or call 0333 055 0095
• Gloucestershire or call 0800 123 3788
• North Somerset or call 01275 546744
• Somerset or call 01823 365222
• South Gloucestershire or call 01454 865337

For more information about lung cancer, lung health checks and advice on smoking visit:

• NHS Lung Cancer
• NHS Quit Smoking
• Cancer Research UK lung health checks
• Cancer Research UK about lung cancer
• Cancer Research UK smoking, tobacco and cancer
• Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation