A new easy access chest x-ray service has been rolled out in Stockport, enabling individuals experiencing lung-related symptoms to undergo a chest x-ray without needing to see a GP or book an appointment. Supported by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, the initiative aims to detect lung cancer earlier, when it is more treatable, while also providing reassurance for those concerned about their symptoms.
Eligibility and Symptoms
Anyone over the age of 40 who is registered with a GP in Stockport and has experienced one or more of the following symptoms for more than three weeks is eligible: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain (for smokers and ex-smokers), fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, or coughing up blood (anyone with this symptom should call 111 or see their GP urgently). Patients must not have had a chest x-ray or CT scan of the chest within the last three months.
Consultant Radiologist Comments
Dr Rebecca Duerden, a consultant radiologist at Stepping Hill Hospital, said: "We know people live busy lives and often don’t feel able to take time out of their day to make an appointment to get checked, so we’re offering this service to the public as an easy way to check for potential lung problems. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned please don’t put it off - come along for a chest x-ray. It could be that peace of mind you need, and if we do find anything that needs attention, we can arrange any further tests or treatment you might need."
Successful Pilot and Results
The new service follows a successful pilot in Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, where more than 4,200 people received a chest x-ray. Most people experiencing symptoms were given peace of mind that they did not have a serious condition, and 21 people received a lung cancer diagnosis. Of those diagnosed with lung cancer, 40 per cent were found to have early-stage disease, where treatment is often more effective and outcomes are generally better, showing the importance of getting checked upon noticing a symptom.
Patient Perspective
Julie Colville, a lung cancer patient from South Manchester, said: "Nobody wants to hear they have a health problem and especially not something like lung cancer. But it's crucial to know if something isn't quite right so that you can get treatment if you need it. I’d encourage anyone who meets the criteria for this new service to go along for your chest x-ray to get some peace of mind - finding out early is everything."
Service Details
This service is available in the Radiology Department A at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport. Opening times are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. No prior appointment is required. For more information, visit www.gmcancer.org.uk/chestxray or https://www.stockport.nhs.uk/services/radiology/. Stepping Hill Hospital is located in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
