Lung cancer is one of our top cancer killers in Stockport. People often leave it too late before going to the GP with symptoms, meaning their treatment is less effective and outcomes not as good.
The Be Clear on Cancer- respiratory symptom awareness campaign started runs from July to October and aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer, other lung disease, and heart disease which are all leading cause of death in England.
The Campaign is aimed men and women aged 50 and over, as older people are most at risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart disease. In 2011-13 lung cancer accounted for 729 new cancer diagnoses out of 5,102 cancers.
Stockport Council is supporting the campaign and urging residents to go to a GP if they have been coughing for three weeks or getting out of breath easily, it might be nothing but there is no harm in getting checked out.
Anyone experiencing breathlessness or persistent coughing lasting over 3 weeks is encouraged to see their GP. Finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
Councillor Tom McGee, Executive member for Health said: “It is very important that residents experiencing breathlessness and a cough lasting 3 weeks get checked out at their local GP.
“Stockport is supporting this campaign because people need to be made aware of these diseases so that there found earlier on and have a better chance of being treated.”
Stockport CCG’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Ranjit Gill, who is also a local GP, said: “We are backing this campaign because it’s vital that people are aware of the symptoms of lung cancer and other serious lung diseases like COPD. If it’s caught early enough, there is a real chance that treatment will be successful.
“If you’ve had a cough that’s last three weeks or more, it’s probably nothing serious but you need to get it checked out by your doctor.
“Regardless of what is wrong with you, your doctor will not think you’re wasting their time. We’d rather give you the all clear than miss a chance to possibly save your life.”
