One person who has benefitted is Paul Nelson who is 72.

He had no symptoms when he went for a lung health check last summer and was diagnosed with cancer.

He said he was devastated, but the fact it was caught early means he is able to get treatment.

“I’ve never had any problems with my chest, but I was given the check and then offered the scan, so I thought why not. I am so glad I went.

“If things had been left for a few more months it could have been very different.”

Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell praised the NHS for the progress made on early cancer detection.

But added: “Despite this, people across the country still face unacceptable delays for vital care.”

She said there needed to be a fully-funded national cancer plan, adding increasing investment in staff and equipment, alongside reform, would help to transform cancer services for the better.