Lung cancer campaign to raise awareness of danger signs

Government statistics show that while 69 per cent of people know that a lump can indicate breast or testicular cancer, only 10 per cent realise that a cough that lasts for three weeks or more is a danger sign.

Medics said many sufferers could be more successfully treated if they made an appointment with their GP as a result of a persistent cough, because early detection dramatically boosts survival rates.

According to the Department for Health, the NHS sees 4,000 people who are suffering with lung cancer in Yorkshire every year, with around 3,500 of those diagnosed dying from the disease.

But doctors said as many as 80 per cent of people who are diagnosed at the earliest stage are still alive five years after the cancer was detected compared with just seven per cent of those diagnosed later.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in this country but worryingly many people don’t know the signs and symptoms that could save their lives.

“The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival. The message is simple if you have a cough for three weeks or more, visit your GP.”

The Be Clear on Cancer campaign will include new adverts fronted by GPs. The adverts will urge anyone who has had a cough for three weeks or more to visit their doctor.

The campaign is also supported by television and sports personalities who have been affected by the disease including Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson.