RecruitingInterventional

Testing whether adding a quick tummy scan to routine lung cancer screening can help detect other serious illnesses earlier

The TACTICAL1 study is exploring if adding a quick tummy scan to the usual NHS lung cancer screening can help spot other serious health problems sooner. This screening is for people aged 55-70 who have smoked. Because these individuals are also at higher risk for certain tummy cancers, like kidney cancer, the study wants to see if a combined scan would be useful. Researchers are testing how to offer this tummy scan efficiently, without making the screening process too long or complicated. They will also see if people are happy to have the extra scan and if mentioning it early affects whether they attend their lung screening appointment. The goal is to find out if this approach could be practical for a larger programme.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Cambridge

Enrolment target

6,272

Start

31 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Lung cancer

What is this study about?

When health problems like cancer are found early, treatment often works better. The NHS now offers lung cancer screening to people who have smoked aged 55-74, identifying those at higher risk who are then offered a special lung scan. The people who qualify for these lung scans are also at a higher risk of other serious conditions, including certain tummy (abdominal) cancers like kidney cancer.

This study is looking into whether we can add a quick scan of the tummy area at the same time as the usual lung scan. A previous study found that people were generally happy to have the extra tummy scan, and it picked up serious issues in a similar number of people as other NHS screening programmes for breast or bowel cancer. However, the way it was offered before made the process too long for widespread use.

This new study, called TACTICAL1, aims to figure out practical ways to smoothly add the tummy scan. Researchers want to see if mentioning the option of a tummy scan in the first invitation letter affects whether people attend their lung screening. They are also testing new methods to add the tummy scan without taking too much extra time, and checking if people find these new processes acceptable. This research will help decide if a combined scan could be a good idea for the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring adding a tummy scan to routine lung cancer checks.
Aims to find other serious conditions like kidney cancer earlier.
For ever-smokers aged 55-70 invited to NHS Lung Cancer Screening.
Testing if the combined scan is practical and acceptable.
Potential for earlier detection and treatment of other conditions.
Small risks include potential worry or further tests.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are invited for their first NHS Lung Cancer Screening. To be eligible, you need to be aged between 55 and 70 years old (up to your 71st birthday).

You must also live in an area covered by either the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance's or Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance's lung screening programmes. This means you would typically be registered with a GP in England within these areas and have been identified as someone who has smoked or used to smoke.

If you meet these general criteria and are invited to the lung screening during the study period, you might be asked to take part. There are very few reasons why you couldn't join, mainly if you're unable to give permission or if your weight makes it impossible to use the scanning machine.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 55 and 70 years old?
Have you been invited for your first NHS Lung Cancer Screening?
Do you live in West Yorkshire and Harrogate or Humber and North Yorkshire?
Are you registered with a GP in England?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're invited to the NHS Lung Cancer Screening, you might also receive information about possibly having an additional tummy scan. If you're chosen for this part of the study and agree, you'll have a quick tummy scan at the same time as your usual lung scan. The study is mainly testing the process of offering and carrying out this combined scan.

If the tummy scan finds anything unusual, you will receive these results. Abnormal findings would then be handled by the NHS, meaning you would have any necessary follow-up tests and treatments as part of standard care. The study aims to run from November 2024 to October 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

A possible benefit of taking part is that the tummy scan might find other serious conditions, like certain cancers or issues with your main tummy artery, earlier. Finding these problems early could lead to quicker treatment and potentially better health outcomes. However, there are some risks associated with having an extra scan. These include potentially needing more follow-up tests or treatments if something is found, even if it might not have caused problems. There's also a chance of worrying about scan results, or a very small risk of cancer from the radiation (X-rays) used in the scan. You are always free to decide not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Hull, England
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
City only
Wakefield, England

Common questions

What is lung cancer screening?

It's a check-up, usually with a CT scan, for people at high risk of lung cancer (often due to smoking) to find it early when it's easier to treat.

What is an abdominal scan?

It's a quick scan, often using X-rays (CT scan), to look at organs in your tummy area, like your kidneys or major blood vessels.

Will this study add a lot of extra time to my appointment?

The study aims to test new ways to add the tummy scan with minimal extra time, making the process as efficient as possible.

What happens if they find something on the tummy scan?

If something unusual is found, you would be told, and you would then enter the standard NHS process for further investigations and any necessary treatment.

Does taking part affect my standard NHS lung screening?

No, your standard NHS lung screening will proceed as usual. This study is about potentially adding to that process.

How to find out more

Grant Stewart

gds35@cam.ac.uk +44 (0)1223769002 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.