Public Health England (PHE) has launched a ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign in the South West, urging people to see a doctor if they are getting out of breath doing things they used to be able to do.
Breathlessness or a persistent cough can be signs of lung disease or lung cancer. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease.
These diseases are some of the leading causes of death in England, causing more than 150,000 deaths each year combined.
Early diagnosis can save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The most recent data shows that in the South West there are 107,326 people who have been diagnosed with COPD and 198,227 people who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD), the main type of heart disease. In 2015, 3688 people were diagnosed with lung cancer.
The campaign is aimed at men and women aged 50 and above as these people are most at risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart disease. As well as prompting anyone who experiences these symptoms to visit their GP, the campaign calls on people to look out for each other and encourage friends and family to visit the GP if they have either of these symptoms.
This call comes as a new survey found that adults over 50 in the South West are more likely to encourage others to see the doctor than go themselves:
- 88% would urge their friends and family to visit their GP with these symptoms;
- Only 67% would contact their GP if they experienced the symptoms themselves.
The survey also found that in the South West 33% of people would wait for a month or longer before visiting the GP if they experienced breathlessness doing everyday things and 56% would wait over a month before speaking to their GP if they had a persistent cough.
The campaign reassures individuals that they would not be wasting their GP’s time by getting their symptoms checked out; something that 38% of adults surveyed in the region said they would be worried about.
Debbie Stark, Deputy Centre Director for PHE South West said: “In 2015, we know that 3688 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in the South West. We would like to see earlier diagnosis of these conditions across the region.
Recognising the symptoms of these diseases and going to the doctor promptly can lead to an earlier diagnosis where these conditions are more treatable.
“Coughing for three weeks or more or becoming breathless doing things you used to be able to do, could be a sign of something serious, so it is important to get them checked out.”
Jane Hill from Bristol who has lung cancer said: “I suffered from a persistent cough for several months, but it wasn’t until I started feeling breathless too that I went to see my doctor. I didn’t know that a cough could be a sign of something serious, and I assumed that it was a result of my old smoking habit.
“I would urge anybody who has been suffering from a persistent cough or feeling breathless to go and see their doctor, as an early diagnosis can make all the difference.”
Dr Dawn Harper, who is supporting the campaign, comments: “People may put off visiting their GP for a number of reasons. Some may not think getting out of breath doing everyday things could be a sign of something serious, they may put a persistent cough down to an infection, they may be fearful of what they will find out, or even worry about wasting their GP’s time.
“In many cases, it won’t be anything serious, but it’s so important that people don’t ignore their symptoms or put off a trip to the doctor. You won’t be wasting our time – we want to see you and we want to help.”
A Be Clear on Cancer roadshow will be visiting the South West to raise awareness of the signs of heart disease, lung cancer and lung disease and to encourage those with symptoms to visit their GP.
The roadshow team, which includes a nurse, will be handing out leaflets and talking to anyone who has any questions.
The team will also be speaking to people about recognising the symptoms in others, as they can play a key part in encouraging loved ones to see their GP.