Since launching in Doncaster in 2021, the programme has expanded across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB), helping to identify lung cancer in people who may have otherwise been unaware they had the disease.
Of the cancers detected through the programme, around 77% have been found at an early stage, when there are more treatment options available and it’s more likely to be successful.
The Behind Every Number campaign acknowledges that every diagnosis goes far beyond a diagnosis and the experiences of patients, staff, and others involved in SYB Lung Cancer Screening will be shared on the SYB Cancer Alliance’s Facebook and Instagram pages to show what the programme means to them.
Dr Jason Page, Clinical Director for SYB Lung Cancer Screening, said: “Diagnosing 1,000 cancers is indeed significant, but it’s also important to remember that these aren’t simply numbers. Each number represents a person, as well as their family, friends, and loved ones.
“Finding lung cancer earlier can make a real difference to the treatment options available and therefore to people’s lives. We want everyone who receives an invitation to understand the importance of attending all their Lung Cancer Screening appointments, even if they feel completely well or have already stopped smoking.
“This means attending your Lung Health Check and your CT scan, if you’re referred for one, including any follow-up scans, because they’re all part of the same screening round.”
Our patient champions Sandra Sloan from Doncaster and Mirban Hussain from Rotherham know the importance of detecting cancer at an earlier stage.
Sandra had stopped smoking 16 years before her Lung Cancer Screening appointment and had no symptoms. Despite feeling anxious about having a scan because of claustrophobia, she went ahead with the support of the team on the mobile scanning unit. Sandra was diagnosed with lung cancer, but because it was at an early stage, she was able to have surgery to remove the cancer. She has remained cancer-free ever since.
Sandra said: “It felt like a long time waiting for my results, but it was only a week after my CT scan that I got a call saying they had found something on my lung. I went to my hospital appointment and was told I had lung cancer.
“I was referred for a CAT scan and I remember being terrified, but everyone was so kind to me. It wasn’t even two weeks later I was sent a letter telling me I needed an operation.
“I had a third of my lung removed: the cancer was gone. I felt like I’d got my life back.”
Mirban’s experience was slightly different, because he was hoping he’d be referred for a CT scan as he’d always wanted to have one. He said: “Reading that I might get to have a CT scan made my decision for me!”
Like Sandra, Mirban didn’t have any symptoms and felt completely fine.
“I was very frightened and emotional when I got the call that they had found something on my lung. I needed surgery and the team was so supportive. I can’t thank my consultant enough; he’s such an amazing man.
“I didn’t need any chemotherapy or radiotherapy after my operation and today, I’m cancer free.
“I’m so thankful I had my Lung Cancer Screening, and I’m so thankful for what it’s done for me and my family.”
People aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke will be invited for free Lung Cancer Screening when the programme reaches their area. Following a Lung Health Check assessment, those identified as being at a higher risk of getting lung cancer will be offered a low-dose CT scan of their chest.
As well as helping to detect lung cancer earlier, the programme reported back in July 2026 that more than 1,500 people in SYB have successfully quit smoking as the result of accepting a referral to their local stop smoking service offered to them during their Lung Health Check.
Behind Every Number is a reminder that Lung Cancer Screening is about more than appointments, scans, and statistics. It’s about people, their experiences, and giving everyone the best possible opportunity for earlier detection and treatment so they can live a full life far beyond their lung cancer diagnosis.
Mirban said: “If you get a Lung Cancer Screening invite, please, please have your appointment, even if you feel ok or have already quit smoking.”
Sandra added: “I’m a very, very, very lucky lady. It saved my life.”
For more information, please visit www.lungcancerscreeningsyb.co.uk.
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