A grandfather-of-six who discovered he had lung cancer in an early diagnosis programme has urged others not to ignore possible symptoms and take up screening invitations.

Keith, 68, from Thurrock, has shared his experiences in a bid to remind others that time is of the essence when it comes to diagnosing and treating lung cancer.

In Thurrock alone, about 110 people are diagnosed with this form of cancer each year.

In Keith’s case, he suspected there might be something wrong with his lungs because he had been feeling breathless.

He and his wife Maria thought it could be related to the smoking habit he had given up five years previously, and the time he spent working in roofing, when he was exposed to asbestos.

He hadn’t sought help from his GP, but when an invitation arrived in June 2021 to have his lungs checked, he didn’t hesitate to take it up.

He had been invited to participate in the NHS’s Targeted Lung Health Check Programme.

It is thought that poor public awareness of the disease’s early warning signs is resulting in patients presenting with symptoms only when their cancer is at an advanced stage.

Under the programme, which is being delivered locally by the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, people aged between 55 and 75 who are identified as being at risk of lung cancer are sent for a free check to determine whether they are at high risk of developing the disease.

If they are, they are invited within two weeks for a CT scan.

The Targeted Lung Health Check programme has continued to make progress during the Covid-19 pandemic, sparing many more people the distress of living with advanced lung cancer.

Keith said: “It was all really simple. I did the phone call, they invited me really quickly for a CT scan, which was fine, then they said they found something. I went to Southend Hospital for a PET Scan, then lung function tests and everything happened really quickly from there.

“They told me I had cancer, specifically a 3.5cm tumour in my lungs, and before I knew it, I was in surgery having the tumour removed. This part was successful, but recovery has been difficult and in a few weeks’ time I’ll be starting my chemo.

“I won’t lie, this hasn’t been easy. It’s knocked me for six, but if I hadn’t have taken up the offer, it could have been a lot worse. I feel like the hand of God came down when the lung check invite arrived.”