Life-Saving Lung Cancer Screening Delivered at Stafford Prison Health and Wellbeing Day

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) took it’s Lung Cancer Screening programme inside Stafford Prison last week, offering eligible inmates and staff the chance to take part in life-saving lung cancer screening during the prison’s Health and Wellbeing Day.

The initiative is part of NHS England’s national drive to detect lung cancer earlier, particularly among those most at risk. Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer, claiming around 35,000 lives every year, but catching it early can dramatically improve survival rates.

Eligible prisoners aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked were invited for a free lung health check, which can lead to a low-dose CT scan if needed. The checks aim to spot problems before symptoms appear, giving people the best chance of successful treatment.

Janina Barnett UHNM Lung Cancer Screening Programme Lead said: “We know that people in prison often face barriers to accessing healthcare. By bringing lung health checks directly into Stafford Prison, we’re making sure this vulnerable group has the same opportunity for early detection as anyone else.”

She added “Health and wellbeing are vital for rehabilitation, and initiatives like this make a real difference. Bringing screening into the prison environment helps us tackle inequalities and improve long-term outcomes.”

Anika Pepper Deputy Head of Healthcare, Health in Justice, Practice Plus Group said: “People in prison often have poorer health than the general population. This is due to existing health problems, the prison environment, and difficulties in getting the same level of care as others. Bringing health events and screening programmes, like lung cancer screening, into prisons helps reduce this gap. It makes healthcare easier to access, gives prisoners the chance to talk directly with specialists, and provides health advice in a way they can understand. The lung cancer screening programme is a great way to spot problems early while people are still in custody.”

The day also included education sessions on lung health, cancer signs and symptoms and advice on reducing risk factors. Prison staff praised the collaboration for improving prisoner wellbeing and tackling health inequalities.

Lung cancer often develops silently, with no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making early detection critical. Screening can identify cancer at its earliest and most treatable point, improving survival chances by up to 70%. The Lung Cancer Screening programme is a key part of a national NHS initiative to reduce lung cancer deaths and tackle health inequalities, ensuring that even hard-to-reach communities have access to life-saving care.

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Check programme, visit:
www.uhnm.nhs.uk/TLC