People in Humber and North Yorkshire who have had a cough for three weeks or more are being encouraged to contact their GP practice and come forward for lifesaving checks as part of an NHS campaign.
The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign from NHS England uses TV, radio and online adverts, and social media to increase knowledge of the key symptom of lung cancer.
The ads feature people with a persistent cough and aim to encourage people experiencing this to contact their GP practice.
One of the campaign ads that is raising awareness of early signs of lung cancer
NHS data shows that more than 4,258 people in Humber and North Yorkshire are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.
Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “A cough is a common symptom for many things, but when you have a cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.
“This campaign aims to remind people with a long standing cough and their loved ones not to be complacent, and encourages them t o get checked out. It’s likely nothing to be too worried about, but if it does turn out to be cancer the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
“Whenever anyone notices anything unusual for their bodies that they are worried could be cancer, it’s vital that they take action by contacting their GP practice.”
In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:
• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Coughing up blood
• A long standing cough that gets worse
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Persistent breathlessness
• Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms.
