Public Health England has today (14th July) launched a new ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign with the aim of raising awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer, lung disease and heart disease – all leading causes of death in England.
Latest figures show that in the South West in 2014, 3,628 people were diagnosed with lung cancer.
Around 103,819 people have been diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and 197,317 with coronary heart disease.
Earlier diagnosis of these diseases has the potential to save lives. For instance, 83% of people diagnosed with lung cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) will live for at least a year after diagnosis. At the latest stage (stage 4), this drops to 17%. Sadly, 2,774 people died from the disease in the South West in 2014.
Earlier diagnosis can also improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as COPD.
Across England, lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer, accounting for around 28,400 deaths each year, while COPD is the cause of a further 24,000 deaths annually.
Coronary heart disease (the main type of heart disease) is the single biggest cause of death, accounting for over 56,000 deaths in England each year.
A persistent cough or getting out of breath doing everyday tasks that you used to be able to do, such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming, could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease.
Breathlessness could be a sign of heart disease as well. The campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to see their GP as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
The campaign is aimed at men and women aged 50 and over, as older people are most at risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart disease.
It will build on the success of the previous Be Clear on Cancer lung cancer campaigns and a regional breathlessness pilot (which focused on lung and heart disease), making this the first national campaign of its kind to raise awareness of these conditions jointly.
Professor Debra Lapthorne, Centre Director for Public Health England South West said: “If lung cancer, lung disease or heart disease are diagnosed early, they can be managed and treated successfully.
“This campaign will help people in the South West recognise the symptoms and encourage them to seek help, potentially saving lives from what are three of the biggest causes of death in England.”
Pat, 64, from Bristol recalls a day 13 years ago when she getting breathless attending to day-to-day tasks that she’d always been able to do. As she was receiving ongoing treatment for her asthma, Pat thought little of her symptoms and attributed her worsening symptoms to a reaction to the changing summer environment.
When her symptoms failed to subside with her usual medication, Pat went to see the doctor. Initially, Pat was treated was asthma but when the symptoms persisted, she was sent for a CT scan which highlighted that she was suffering from emphysema.
Pat remembers her symptoms getting worse as her condition progressed from asthma to emphysema but was supported by a team at Bristol Royal Infirmary who assisted her in managing her condition.
Pat said: “I am now a different person. Through the support at the Bristol Infirmary, my symptoms are now much more manageable.”
Pat has only had to return to the hospital twice since having treatment. She notes that her life is much less disrupted by illness and she no longer requires daily steroids. She feels “lucky” that she listened to her body and got the help she so clearly needed.
Speaking about her diagnosis, Pat said: “If you get out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, go to your doctor. I’m glad I did. If it is emphysema, you can get treatment to help manage your symptoms. Pat’s emphysema is now managed with a small amount of medication.”
Media Medic, Dr Hilary Jones added: “People may put off visiting their GP for a number of reasons. Some may not realise a symptom like a persistent cough or getting out of breath doing things that you used to be able to do could be a sign of something serious, or they may be fearful of what they will find out, or even worry about wasting their GP’s time.
“These symptoms may well be nothing to worry about, but if it is something serious then the sooner it’s diagnosed, the better the chances of treating it effectively. Anyone who has either of these symptoms should visit their GP – don’t worry about wasting our time, we want to see you.”
The nationwide Be Clear on Cancer campaign will begin on Thursday 14th July and run until 16th October. For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, other lung diseases and heart disease, search ‘Be Clear on Cancer’.
