Lung Cancer Screening: Liz’s Story

Today, on World Lung Cancer Day, we are proud to share the story of Liz, whose life was changed by a simple letter through the post. 

In November 2024, Liz received an invitation to attend a lung health check. She’d often joked with her husband about her “left lung playing up,” but never imagined it could be something serious. That screening led to a diagnosis of lung cancer – a diagnosis that was luckily caught early and could be treated.   

“If I hadn’t gone, I think I would have just carried on getting chest infections and moaning about my left lung,” Liz said. “But in four months, that would be a year. My growth was half an inch and they reckoned it had grown within 6 to 8 months. How big would that growth have been?” 

Liz underwent surgery in February 2025, where 25% of her lung and nearby lymph nodes were removed. The operation was a success, and Liz was declared cancer-free with no chemotherapy or radiotherapy needed. She will have regular check-ups for the next 5 years but is back to enjoying her time with family and embracing life.  

“I’m grateful to be here. I’m a very lucky lady. All I can say to people is, when these things come through the door, just do it.” 

Clinical Director for the SWAG Lung Cancer Screening Programme, Dr Anna Bibby, reflects on the importance of early detection: 

“Liz’s story shows how important lung cancer screening is. Small lung cancers often don’t cause any symptoms, so people don’t know they have them. But if we find these cancers early, we can cure them and let people get on with their lives, cancer-free.” 

The Impact of Screening in SWAG

Lung cancer currently has the lowest rate of early diagnosis out of the four most common cancers (prostate, breast, lung and bowel). Without non-symptomatic screening, only 28.9% of lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. 

Liz is one of hundreds whose lives have been changed by the SWAG Lung Cancer Screening Programme. Since its launch, over 100,000 people have been invited to take part, with around 35,000 being referred on for a CT scan and 300 cases of lung cancer being diagnosed. Most of these, around 80%, were found early at stages one or two – when treatment is most effective.  

Dr Bibby continued: “The lung screening programme is helping change how we see lung cancer. It’s often thought of as a really scary disease, but with screening we can find it early and cure it. That’s why I want everyone who gets an invite to lung screening to take up the offer. It’s easy — just a phone call and maybe a scan — and it could save your life.” 

The Lung Cancer Screening programme is offered to people between the ages of 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers. Individuals will be sent a letter inviting them to a telephone lung screening, this may be followed up with a face-to-face appointment and a low-dose CT scan.  

SWAG Cancer Alliance aims to reach 100% of the eligible population by 2029/30, ensuring that everyone has the chance to catch lung cancer early — just like Liz. 

A Message of Hope

Liz’s story is a testament to the power of early detection. Her journey — from diagnosis to recovery — reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a future. 

So this World Lung Cancer Day, we urge everyone who receives a screening invitation to take it up. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it could save your life. 

Find out more here: Lung Screening Programme