‘Help Us, Help You’ spot the signs of lung cancer

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have launched a ‘Help Us, Help You’ lung cancer campaign, encouraging people with a cough lasting three weeks or more to contact their GP practice.

Many people don’t realise that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer and so it is vital that patients act on a persistent cough and don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own.

While a cough for three weeks or more is probably nothing serious, it can be a sign of something that needs treatment. If it is cancer, finding it early means it is more treatable and can save lives.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in England with around 39,990 cases diagnosed each year. Of those, around 89% were aged 60 and above. In 2021, around 26,400 people died from lung cancer in England.

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin 347 cases of lung cancer were registered in 2019, with 239 deaths.

Local GP Dr Jess Harvey said: “The statistics are sobering. However, more than four in ten cases of cancer could be prevented, largely through lifestyle changes such as not smoking, keeping a healthy bodyweight, eating a healthy balanced diet and cutting down on alcohol.

“It’s important to contact your GP if you have any concerns. Lung cancer is often treatable if caught early, and outcomes can be very positive for patients. I’d encourage anyone with worrying symptoms to make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.”

Your NHS is here and wants to see you; Help Us, Help You.

Visit www.nhs.uk/cancersymptoms for more information or contact your GP practice to make an appointment if you have concerns.