Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason lung health checks are not available for people over the age of 74 years who are (a) ex-smokers, (b) smokers and (c) at risk due to their previous work environment.

The Targeted Lung Health Checks (TLHC) are currently aimed at people aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked. Medical research has provided evidence to show the benefits of carrying out lung health checks on this age group. There is currently not enough evidence to show that lung screening would be beneficial for those aged 75 and above and who are also ex-smokers, smokers or potentially at risk from occupational exposure. There are also concerns that the risks from treatment and other medical conditions would potentially outweigh the benefits of screening those aged 75 and above.

People aged 75 and above who are experiencing worrying respiratory symptoms should speak to their GP.