The Lung Health Check study is designed to assess the lung health of a specific group of patients who are aged between the age of 55-74 who are registered with selected Centric Health GP practices in North Dublin and North East region. Each of these people in these practices will receive a letter of invitation followed by a phonecall with one of our team members when the study begins.

The Lung Health Check takes part in several stages.

When you receive your letter of invitation, it will contain a time and a date that one of our team members will phone you. On this call we will ask you some questions relating to your smoking and medical history. We use this information to calculate a risk score to see if a Lung Health Check, that includes a low dose CT scan of your chest, is right for you at this time.

If score suggests a Lung Health Check is right for you then we will arrange a time and a date for you to attend a mobile unit located in the community. You and your GP will be informed of this via mail also. If a Lung Health Check is not right for you we ill also inform you and your GP.

At your lung heath check you will meet a qualified nurse who will explain the process.

This will involve

• • A questionnaire about your lung health and breathing
  • A breathing test to check the health of your lungs
  • Some help and advice on quitting smoking if you want it
  • A low dose CT scan of your chest.

Some participants may also be asked to give a blood, breath or sputum samples as part of the study. This is optional.

It is free to be involved.

This pioneering initiative led by Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre is funded by the Irish Cancer Society and represents the largest single investment in lung cancer in Ireland. 

No, you will not be paid.

It is voluntary to take part. 

The Lung Health Check is being offered to people who are at the highest risk of developing lung cancer. Data shows that those aged between 55-74 years, who currently or previously smoked, are at higher risk than others of getting lung cancer. If you display any symptoms or have any concerns about your lung health you should book an appointment to see your GP.

We need to make sure that we do not miss anyone who may be suitable for the study. Letters may be sent to people who haven’t smoked. If you receive a letter and don’t feel the study is right for you then please let us know by calling the number on your letter of invitation

No, only people aged 55-74 years of age on 1st February 2025 will receive letters. Unfortunately, at this time, we can only invite those who are eligible at this this date.

The risk score is a series of questions, that identify people that have a slightly higher risk of developing lung cancer. Some of the questions are about smoking history and medical history. Together, the answers to these questions are given a score and this score is used to suggest who should be brought to a mobile scanning unit.

The risk score does not mean you will develop lung cancer.

The study will involve participants from selected Centric Health GP practices in the North Dublin and North East region. (See participating practices- Link). All registered patients within these practices between the age of 55-74 will be invited to take part.

The North Dublin and the north-east region has a high number of smokers and ex-smokers and unfortunately has a high rate of lung cancer as a result. It is important in a study like this that we focus of patients who need the Lung Health Check the most.

This study involves inviting thousands of people. It is important that we partner with a large GP practice group to make this process easier, more transparent and safer. Centric Health have a network of practices in the area as well as centralised management to support this research.

The first participants will receive their invitation letters from May 2025 onwards. It will take time to send out letters to everyone so please don’t worry if you don’t receive yours straightaway.

The first phase will be carried out over the telephone.

If appropriate, you will then be invited to one of our mobile units for phase 2 where you will have your Lung Health Check and CT scan.

The mobile units will be located in 4 locations. Each location will serve a number of local participating Centric Health practices. Your appointment will take place in the location nearest to your GP practice.

The four locations are:

• Fingalians GAA club (A92 FDK6)
• O’Tooles GAA club.  (D13 FK59)
• O’Raghallaighs GAA club. (K67 H272)
• Croke Park.  (D03 P6K7)

This is a pilot study. This means we are testing the Lung Health Check out on a small segment of the population to see if it works well, is popular with participants, and is cost effective. The results of the study will then be used to inform a wider roll out to other areas and regions.

We are partnering with Centric Health GP practices to do this because the study will involve invites to thousands of participants Centric had a large number of practices is the desired location. Centric have a history of patient involvement for the betterment of the population and were delighted to participate in such a fundamental and worthwhile clinical trial.

We are focusing on the North Dublin and North East Region for the pilot study because the population in these areas has a high rate of lung cancer and other lung conditions when compared with the national average.

If you are worried about any of the symptoms below, please see your GP as soon as possible

• A persistent cough or change in your normal cough
• Coughing up blood
• Being short of breath
• Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Appetite loss

LDCT scan means low dose computed tomography scan. This is a special CT scan that uses a very low dose of radiation and a computer to take a detailed picture of your lungs. 

The scan is painless and you will be able to drink, eat and drive as normal before and after your scan. If you feel anxious, please let someone in the team know.

You enter the scanner feet first and you are not enclosed. 

CT scanners use a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of your lungs. By using the very latest CT scanners, we can to reduce the amount of radiation needed. The chance of this scan saving your life by detecting a lung condition is far greater than the chance of the scan causing you any harm.

During the scan, you will usually lie flat on your back on a bed that moves slowly through the CT scanner. The scanner is shaped like a ring and it moves around a small section of your body as you pass through it. When a scan is taken, you will need to lie still and follow simple breathing instructions for 10 seconds. This makes sure the pictures are not blurred. These scans do not use dye and do not need anything to be injected.

You can watch a video that shows what your scan will be like here. (Attach video)

You may need to remove your coat, but you can leave your clothing on. Any necklace or clothing with metal artefacts will be removed but participants will be provided with a gown to change into in this case.

A friend or family member can come with you to your appointment if you wish. The mobile unit is in two parts. In the first part you will meet the nurse.  However, they won’t be able to go with you into the separate scanner area in the second part, as space on the CT scanner unit is very limited.