We're all aware that smoking is very bad for our health.
In fact, it's the leading cause of lung disease with 72% of lung cancer cases in the UK brought on by smoking.
The lungs are one of our vital organs and stopping smoking is the most important step you can take to protect them.
Currently, Manchester has the highest rate of deaths from lung cancer in the country.
This is why the Manchester Lung Health Check programme, which aims to improve survival rates for lung cancer by providing quick and accessible screenings, has been launched.
The free checks, which began in April last year, are available to smokers and ex-smokers between the ages of 55 and 80 living in north and east Manchester.
The next stop on the road for the state-of-the-art mobile screening unit is the Tesco Extra store in Failsworth, making the checks easily accessible by car, public transport or on foot.
So if you're invited to an appointment there's really no excuse not to attend and check up on your lung health.
Why is lung cancer so hard to detect?
Detecting lung cancer in the early stages is extremely difficult as often people don't experience any symptoms, and are not diagnosed until stage 3 or 4.
The purpose of a Lung Health Check is to find lung disease - especially lung cancer - at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Evidence shows that lung cancer survival rates are much higher the sooner the cancer is found.
Sandra Fairbrother, 73 attended her Lung Health Check in May when the unit was based at Cheetham Hill.
She said: "I had no symptoms when I attended but I knew how important it was to go.
"When they found the cancer it was only very small and thankfully in the early stage."
Within four weeks Sandra had an operation at Wythenshawe Hospital to remove the lung cancer, which was a success.
Now completely cancer free, she adds: "I'd recommend this service to everybody. The sooner you go, the sooner you know.”
What should I expect from a check-up?
Lung Health Check attendees across the region have been very pleased with how quick and easy their appointment was with one of the specially trained nurses.
At the check, which usually takes around 30 minutes, people are asked some questions about their general health and will have their height and weight measured.
They will then be asked to breathe into a tube called a spirometer.
As part of the Lung Health Check you may also be offered an ultra low-dose CT scan, which can be done straight away in the purpose-built mobile unit.
Robert from Cheetham Hill said: “I was in and out within the hour, I couldn't believe it.
"Everything was done there and then and the staff were so lovely.”
Letters are being sent out inviting anyone aged 55 to 80-years-old that’s registered with a GP practice in Newton Heath or Moston, and has ever smoked, to book in for their free Lung Health Check at Tesco in Failsworth.
