A Radcliffe woman is urging others to attend their NHS lung cancer screening after her own routine check led to a life‑saving diagnosis.
Sue Ravenscroft, 64, received an invite in the post to attend an NHS lung health check at a mobile clinic parked at Asda in Radcliffe.
Sue found out she had lung cancer after going for a Lung Health Check at a mobile clinic
Despite having no symptoms and feeling well, she decided to go — a decision she now believes saved her life.
Sue, who works in HR, spoke to a specialist nurse and answered some health questions and was then invited to have a scan on the mobile screening unit that day.
Following the scan, Sue was swiftly referred to the Oldham Diagnostic Centre for further investigation. A CT scan, lung function tests and a biopsy revealed she had stage 1B lung cancer in her right lung.
“It was a shock,” Sue said. “There was nothing to suggest I had lung cancer. Never would I have guessed it in a million years.”
Sue needed surgery to remove the cancer and part of her right lung.
From her first screening scan to undergoing surgery, just five weeks passed — with Sue receiving care across several hospitals in Greater Manchester to ensure the earliest possible treatment.
Although grateful for the early detection, the diagnosis also resurfaced painful memories.
Sue said: “My mum died of lung cancer, and my brother died of cancer at 58. My family were scared — really scared — but the support from my daughter, partner, my two grandchildren, my siblings, my friends and everyone at work has been incredible.”
After a phased return, Sue is now back at work and has been going to the gym consistently and looking after her health. She says that speaking openly about her experience has encouraged several colleagues to book their own lung health checks.
Sue said: “I would urge anyone to go for their lung health check when they get the invite. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain — it can save a life. It’s worth it.”
NHS lung cancer screening is for people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke. It’s being rolled out across Greater Manchester, led by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. If you’re eligible you will get an invitation when it comes to your area. Look out for an invite in the post or by text message.
The checks are quick, free and they could ultimately save your life by finding lung cancer at an early stage before you may have symptoms.
Oliver Butterworth, Senior Programme Manager at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:
“Lung health checks help the NHS to spot any lung cancer symptoms earlier, when it is much more treatable.
“Please do come along for your appointment. You’ll have a chat with a nurse and fill out a questionnaire to look at your risk. About half of the people who visit may also need a low-dose scan which we will also do on the truck.
“Most visitors to the lung health checks will get reassurance that everything is OK but it could save your life.”
