Doctors in Devon urge people to be alert to symptoms of lung cancer

The NHS has launched a new ‘be clear on cancer’ lung cancer campaign and local doctors in Devon have urged people with symptoms that could suggest lung cancer is the underlying cause, to get it checked out.

The campaign, which will include adverts on TV, radio and newspapers, runs for the whole of July and into the first half of August.

It aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, especially a cough that lasts for three weeks or more, and to encourage people with these symptoms to consult their GP. Doctors say the earlier the cancer is found, the more treatable it is.

Figures from the South West Public Health Observatory show that almost 750 people in Devon and Plymouth were newly diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer in 2011. The majority of cases nationally occur in people over the age of 50.

Dr Peter Rudge, a GP in Plymouth and chair of the Western Locality of Northern, Eastern and Western Devon CCG, said: “Anything that can be done to raise public awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer is vital so we fully support this new campaign.

“Having a cough for three weeks or more is a significant symptom and may be caused by lung cancer.

“However there are other symptoms to watch out for, such as weight loss, shortness of breath, pain in your chest, or blood in your sputum (or mucus). Being a smoker also increases your risk substantially.

“The reason lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer is because over two-thirds of patients are diagnosed too late by which time treatment to cure it is not possible.

“If the number of people who survived lung cancer in England matched the best in Europe it is thought that an extra 1,300 lives could be saved each year.

“All people need to do if they are showing these symptoms is to contact their GP. They may wish to discuss this on the phone with their GP or book an appointment with them – but don't leave these symptoms unaddressed. We are here to help.”