Hundreds of people in the South West have been diagnosed with cancer through lung health checks carried out at mobile scanning trucks.

The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme has identified 388 lung cancers in the region since its 2022 launch.

Nationally, 5,037 cancers have been diagnosed since the initiative began in 2019.

The programme, targeting current and past smokers, found more than three-quarters of these cancers at the earliest stages, when they are potentially curable.

The trucks visit community sites such as supermarket car parks, sports stadiums, and town centresThe trucks visit community sites such as supermarket car parks, sports stadiums, and town centres (Image: NHS England/PA) Dr Michael Marsh, medical director for NHS England South West, said: "It’s really pleasing to see that the South West region’s inclusion in the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme has helped diagnose hundreds of people in our community with lung cancer earlier, potentially saving their lives."

The Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire and Peninsula Cancer Alliances have conducted 85,460 lung health checks in the last two years, while the Wessex Cancer Alliance has carried out 3,982 checks across Dorset since launching the programme last year.

Dame Cally Palmer, NHS cancer director, said: "These lung checks can save lives, so it’s fantastic that the NHS has been able to diagnose thousands of people at an early stage when lung cancer is potentially curable."

The programme is set to be fully rolled out across the country by 2030.