Lung health and lung cancer assessments

Lung health assessments using low-dose CT scans can provide a vital check of the overall health of your lungs and can spot any early signs of lung disease, often before you notice anything is wrong. Early diagnosis of conditions such as lung cancer can often allow earlier treatment.

UME Health lung health scans are interpreted by expert consultant cardiothoracic radiologists. Your lung health assessment will include an initial questionnaire related to your lifestyle, medical history and any breathing problems to assess your suitability. If you are suitable for a lung health assessment, this will be followed by a simple low-dose CT scan of the chest and a detailed report incorporating cutting-edge AI technology.

Traditional lung assessment imaging techniques such a chest X-ray have low sensitivity and usually cannot give a definitive diagnosis for lung problems.

In contrast, low-dose CT lung scans are very sensitive and are able to detect lung nodules while they are very small (2mm), thereby potentially providing early diagnosis of conditions such as cancer.

Your scans will be evaluated by Heart & Lung Health’s network of specialist consultant chest radiologists who will provide you with a detailed report of your scan and will be able to advise if any further investigation is required.

We aim to deliver the results of your specialist lung health assessment scan within 2 working days.

The long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, but current evidence suggests that vaping may have harmful effects on lung health. While it is too early to definitively say whether vaping causes lung cancer, there have been cases of severe lung injuries associated with vaping. It is important to note that vaping products can contain harmful chemicals and toxins that could potentially increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer can be treated and managed, but whether it can be completely cured depends on various factors such as the stage of cancer, overall health of the patient, and response to treatment. Early detection and timely intervention greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. However, it is important to note that some cases of lung cancer may not have a complete cure, but rather focus on improving quality of life and managing symptoms. 

While blood tests can provide some information about lung cancer, they are not typically used as a primary method of detection. Other diagnostic tools, such as imaging tests and biopsies, are usually employed to confirm the presence of lung cancer. However, certain blood tests may be used to evaluate certain biomarkers or genetic mutations associated with lung cancer, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. 

When it comes to detecting lung cancer, doctors typically rely on a combination of medical imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and bronchoscopy, along with tissue sampling procedures such as biopsies. By doing so, they can identify any abnormalities or tumours in the lungs and determine whether or not they are cancerous. In some cases, genetic testing may also be performed to further understand the specific characteristics of the cancer cells, which can help guide treatment decisions.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing with associated chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss. Other possible symptoms may include coughing up blood, hoarseness of voice, fatigue, and recurring respiratory tract infections. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.