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Professor Kevin Fenton
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Dr. Michael Beckles
A Be Clear on Cancer campaign, aimed at increasing awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer, has been considered so successful it is being repeated.
The Public Health England campaign first ran nationally throughout England in May – July 2012. Recent data found that around 700 extra people were diagnosed with lung cancer in these months when compared to the same period in the previous year. Approximately 400 more people were diagnosed at an early stage, and around 300 more patients had surgery, giving them the best chance of prolonged survival.
The campaign will run until the end of April in a bid to make more people aware of the symptoms of lung cancer and encourage them to visit their GP if they have had a cough for three weeks or more – a key symptom of the disease.
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, said: “We know this campaign is effective in driving people with lung cancer symptoms into GP surgeries – the figures speak for themselves.
“We are therefore running the campaign again to further increase awareness of the signs of lung cancer and overcome the fears preventing people presenting early to their doctors so that we can save more lives across all communities.
“Finding lung cancer early makes it more treatable, so it’s important to know the symptoms and, if you spot any, visit your doctor straight away – it could save your life.”
Lung cancer is currently England's biggest cancer killer, causing around 28,100 deaths each year and with around 34,900 people diagnosed annually. Those diagnosed at the earliest stage are five times more likely to survive lung cancer for at least five years than those diagnosed at a late stage.
The Be Clear on Cancer lung cancer campaign is aimed at men and women over the age of 50, as they are most at risk of the disease.
Dr Michael Beckles, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Royal Free Hospital, said: “The results are great and suggest that hundreds of patients received potentially life-saving surgery following the first national campaign for lung cancer. We still need to continue the good work so that more lives can be saved.
“Many people still believe that you cannot survive cancer but lung cancer can be treated if caught early and you can have a good quality of life after treatment.
The Be Clear On Cancer message is clear - if you’ve been coughing for three weeks or more, have had repeated chest infections or have been coughing up blood and feeling breathless, go and see your doctor.”
The main symptom of lung cancer is a persistent cough for three weeks or more. Other symptoms include:
- a cough that has got worse or changes
- repeated chest infections
- coughing up blood
- breathlessness
- feeling more tired than usual for some time
- losing weight for no obvious reason
- an ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time.