Lung cancer screening launches in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
People in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas are being urged to take up the offer of potentially life-saving NHS lung cancer screening.
Past and current smokers, aged 55 to 74, are being sent text message invitations for a free lung health check.
Importance of early detection
Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the UK*. There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at an early stage, which is why early detection and screening is so important.
Since the lung cancer screening programme launch in Kent in 2022, more than 120 lung cancers have been diagnosed so far in east Kent, with the majority diagnosed at an early stage (stage one or two).**
Early diagnosis can make lung cancer more treatable and make treatment more successful.
Dr Jonathan Bryant, NHS Kent and Medway Primary Care Cancer Clinical Lead said: “I strongly urge those who are invited, to attend their lung health check.
“Lung cancer is often detected at a later stage, but early detection can be lifesaving.”
Further information
The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is designed to check those most at risk of developing lung cancer to spot early signs.
The programme is already live in the south Kent Coast, Canterbury, Whitstable, Faversham and Dartford. Further areas are expected to go live in 2027/28.
Lung cancer screening takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a specially trained health care professional.
If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk, they are offered a CT scan to check for early signs of lung cancer.
Other lung conditions can also be identified through the screening. If this happens, participants will be referred on for the appropriate treatment.
Smokers are also offered stop smoking support with an advisor who will provide friendly and professional support and resources to help quit smoking.
Learn more on the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance website: www.lungcheckskm.nhs.uk
Find out about the programme at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
Read the symptoms of lung cancer on the NHS website.
*NHS.uk (October, 2026)
**East Kent University NHS Foundation Trust, October 2026.