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Respiratory Innovation Wales Bus provides LUMEN Service across Hywel Dda

Respiratory Innovation Wales Bus provides LUMEN Service across Hywel Dda

20 January 2023

People concerned about lung cancer symptoms can now access Lung Cancer Symptom Assessment Line (LUMEN) in the Respiratory Innovation Wales (RIW) Bus which will be visiting towns across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in January and February.

LUMEN is a phone line service funded by Moondance Cancer Initiative, providing an access point for people to speak with a specialist nurse to discuss their symptoms and be referred for a chest X-Ray, if needed, to investigate their symptoms.

The service is open to people registered with a GP practice in Hywel Dda UHB area to address their concerns about possible Lung Cancer symptoms and learn more about the LUMEN Service and how it can help.

In Wales, over 2,300 patients are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, however less than 20 percent of these are diagnosed at an early stage. It has been shown that early diagnosis increases the chances of survival. 

The service was launched 15 August 2022, as a pilot in the Carmarthenshire area. Following positive patient feedback and impact, the service was extended across all counties across Hywel Dda UHB in December 2022.

LUMEN is available to anyone registered with a GP in the Hywel Dda UHB area, who is aged 40 or over, with any of these symptoms:

  • Cough (more than 3 weeks)
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarse voice
  • Repeated chest infections
  • Chest pain
  • More tired than usual
  • Loss of appetite
  • A lung condition with changing symptoms

The RIW Bus will be available at the following venues across our counties:

  • ASDA Pembroke Dock - 24 January 2023
  • Leekes, Crosshands - 31 January 2023
  • National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth - 7 February 2023
  • Tesco, Cardigan - 21 February 2023
  • Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli - 18 April 2023
  • Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli - 25 April 2023
  • Morrisons car park, Haverfordwest - 2 May 2023

Explaining the aims of the project, Patricia Rees, Lung Cancer Triage Nurse at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “LUMEN provides people experiencing respiratory problems with direct access to a specialist nurse who can discuss their symptoms, and if appropriate, refer them for further investigation.

“We are working hard to ensure that lung cancer survival rate is improved through early detection.”

Dr Savita Shanbhag, GP Cancer Lead at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “We believe that enabling individuals to call the LUMEN phone line helps us to detect symptoms early and refer patients onwards for early diagnosis. We are thankful to Moondance Cancer Initiative for funding this innovative project.”

If you, a family member, or friend are 40 or above and have any of the above symptoms, you can access LUMEN by calling 0300 3036142 or visiting the RIW Bus.  Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am - 2pm.

For more information on Moondance Cancer Initiative please visit their webpage https://moondance-cancer.wales (opens in new tab)