Earliest availability 04 Nov
Dr Sarah Elkin
Respiratory Consultant
Specialist expertise: Respiratory Medicine, COPD, Asthma, Breathlessness, Acute and chronic cough, Lung Cancer, Bronchoscopy, Respiratory Infections, Lung Health.
Private Lung Cancer Screening
Our lung cancer screening service detects lung cancer early, allowing timely treatment before symptoms appear. Using advanced low-dose CT technology and expert consultant review, we can identify subtle changes with exceptional accuracy.
02036532006
What is lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening uses targeted tests to detect early signs of lung disease in people who may be at higher risk, even before any symptoms appear. The aim is to identify cancer at a stage when it’s still small and potentially curable. Because lung cancer often causes no symptoms until it’s advanced, early screening gives specialists the best chance to treat it effectively and improve long-term outcomes.
In the UK, lung cancer screening is offered as a targeted programme, meaning it’s recommended only for people who meet specific clinical criteria. At Welbeck, every patient undergoes a careful triage process to confirm whether screening is truly needed. This ensures you only receive a CT scan when it’s clinically appropriate and supported by evidence, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
Our lung cancer screening is carried out by expert respiratory consultants in our state-of-the-art Lung Health centre. With access to the most advanced low-dose CT technology, our focus is on safe, accurate screening that delivers clear results and peace of mind.
While we do not currently offer lung cancer treatment at Welbeck, your diagnosing consultant will ensure that you’re referred to the correct teams so that the next steps can be started as quickly as possible.
What does lung cancer screening involve?
Before screening can take place, you’ll be asked a series of questions by our clinical team to find out whether you’re eligible to undertake the screening. This will include information about your history of smoking and any other cancer diagnoses you’ve had.
If a private lung cancer screening is appropriate, we’ll aim to organise diagnostic tests and a follow-up with a respiratory specialist on the same day.
The diagnostic tests will include:
spirometry – a short test designed to assess how well you can breathe in and out, where you’ll be asked to blow into a small device as hard and powerfully as you can
CT or computed tomography – a procedure that uses a narrow beam of X-rays that are aimed at the body in a rotating circle to produce cross-sectional image slices of the lungs
The CT scan uses a low dose of radiation and typically only lasts a few minutes. Following your diagnostic tests, you’ll speak with one of our specialist respiratory physicians. They’ll go through the results of the spirometry and CT scan, answer any questions or queries you have and recommend any necessary next steps.
What happens if cancer is found during a screening?
If any abnormalities are found during your screening, you’ll be informed by the specialist on the same day. Our respiratory consultants are experts in the diagnosis of lung cancer and can help guide you through this difficult period.
While we do not currently offer lung cancer treatment at Welbeck, your diagnosing consultant will ensure that you’re referred to the correct teams so that the next steps can be started as quickly as possible.
We can also support your pathway with the NHS by providing you with your full report and passing results to your GP. We’ll then continue to monitor your progress to ensure you don't become lost in the system, and we’ll also double-check whether you received the necessary follow-up appointments our team recommended.
Occasionally, other things can be picked up on our screening scans, such as blood vessel issues or other lung diseases. If this is the case, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to decide what to do next and can also refer you to other specialists within the Welbeck ecosystem, if you wish.
Sometimes we find small lesions on the lungs called lung nodules – these are very common and, in a small number of patients, can represent early or pre-lung cancers. Our private lung specialists are experts in lung nodule management and will explain their significance and help you get the ongoing care and monitoring you need. This is known as lung nodule surveillance.
What are the risks of lung cancer screening?
CT scans involve ionising radiation, which carries a small risk. For lung screening at Welbeck, we use advanced low-dose CT scanners that only take a few minutes to give detailed images. This ensures every scan is as safe as possible.
Recovery and aftercare
You can usually go home or resume your normal activities immediately after your screening and follow-up appointment, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home if you wish.
How much does private lung cancer screening cost?
The price of our private lung cancer screening is £1750.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our respiratory consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Booking a private lung cancer screening
To book a lung cancer screening, you must be referred by either your GP or a respiratory consultant following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck respiratory consultant, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
What are the survival rates for cancers found in lung screening?
Screening for lung cancer can and does save lives. Survival from treated stage 1 lung cancer, such as we often diagnose during screening, can be up to 98% at 5 years. However, when lung cancer is diagnosed in stage 4, many treatment options may no longer be appropriate, and survival may be significantly less than 1 year for most patients.
What can I do if I don’t meet the criteria for lung cancer screening?
If you don’t meet the criteria for inclusion in lung cancer screening but are still concerned or worried about lung cancer risk, we will recommend a consultation with one of our lung specialists. They’ll be able to assess your individual case and make recommendations accordingly.
Will quitting smoking mean I no longer need screening?
Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce lung cancer risk. However, former smokers may still benefit from screening because although risks decline over time, they don’t fall to zero immediately. Your consultant at Welbeck will review your smoking history and other factors to recommend whether screening remains valuable in your case.
Is it safe to have repeated low-dose CT scans?
The low-dose CT scans used in lung screening use only a small fraction of the radiation from a standard CT, making them safe for use in regular screening when clinically needed. The benefits of early detection far outweigh the small potential risk from radiation exposure, especially for people at higher risk of lung cancer.
We follow strict safety standards, using the lowest dose possible to achieve clear, accurate results. Your consultant will also review scan frequency to ensure your care is as safe and effective as possible.