Invitations for the Beaumont RCSI Irish Cancer Society Lung Health Check are being issued to people in Louth and Meath who are at risk of developing lung cancer.

The study is targeting participants aged between 55-74 years, who currently or previously smoked, as they are at higher risk than others of getting lung cancer.

The study will involve participants from selected Centric Health GP practices in the North Dublin and Northeast region.

Participating GP practices in the Northeast include Hilltop Drogheda, Trim Medical, Ashbourne Clinic, Bryanstown Medical Centre Drogheda, Headfort Family Practice Kells, Fairgate Medical Practice Drogheda, and The Square Medical Dundalk.

Professor Daniel Ryan, Respiratory Consultant at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre said, “We are delighted that the letters of invitation containing a time and a date when one of the Lung Health Check team members will call are currently being issued to eligible people. During the call, the potential participant will be asked questions relating to smoking and their medical history.

“This information will be used to calculate a risk score to see if a Lung Health Check, which is free and includes a low dose CT scan of their chest, is right for them at this time.

“If the score suggests a Lung Health Check is right for them, then a time and a date will be arranged for them to attend a mobile Lung Health Check unit located in O’Raghallaigh’s GAA Club in Drogheda.”

The Lung Health Check is part of a €4.9m partnership between Irish Cancer Society and Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, funded by the Irish Cancer Society, to drive improvements in lung cancer early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said: “This historic investment by the Irish Cancer Society marks a turning point for lung cancer in Ireland. Lung cancer kills more Irish people every year than any other cancer, mainly because it is diagnosed late when it is difficult to treat.

“We are confident this pilot programme will save lives by detecting cancer early. We hope that in time it will lead to a free national lung check programme for all Irish people at high risk of getting lung cancer.”

Anyone with questions or concerns about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700 or supportline@irishcancer.ie Further information on lung cancer can be found at www.cancer.ie/lung

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ireland, killing around 1,900 people each year. 6 in every 10 lung cancer diagnoses are detected at late stage when it is harder to treat.

Symptoms of lung cancer can present as:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• A cough that doesn’t go away or a change to an existing cough.
• Repeated chest infections that won’t go away, even after antibiotics.
• Coughing up blood-stained phlegm.
• Pain in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in.
• Swelling around your face and neck.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Feeling more tired than usual.
• Loss of appetite or weight loss or both.