NHS urges people in Lancashire and South Cumbria to come forward for life saving cancer checks

People in Lancashire and South Cumbria 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.

NHS data shows that more than 2600 people in the North West are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

Dr Neil Smith, local GP and Primary Care Director for Lancashire and South Cumbria 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 to 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