Public Health England today (14 July) launches 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 across the Yorkshire and the Humber area around 4,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Around 123,000 people have been diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) and over 212,500 with coronary heart disease.
Earlier diagnosis can save lives and improve the quality of life for people living with these diseases. Over 80% of people diagnosed with lung cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) were alive one year after diagnosis. At the later stage (stage 4), this drops to 17%. Around 3400 die from the disease in the Yorkshire and Humber area 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.
Matt Day, from Public Health England in Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
“If diagnosed early, these diseases can be managed and treated successfully. This campaign will help people recognise the symptoms and encourage them to seek help, potentially saving lives from what are three of the biggest causes of death and health inequalities in England.”
Consultant surgeon, Clare Rogers, clinical lead for the Yorkshire and Humber Cancer Clinical Network said:
“I have seen my patients in Doncaster benefit from early diagnosis of heart and lung conditions leading to effective treatment. Don’t wait until it’s too late. See your doctor if you are short of breath.”
Dr Louise Merriman, GP lead for the Yorkshire and Humber Cancer Clinical Network, said:
"This campaign encourages those with a persistent cough or who realise they are getting out of breath doing everyday activities, to see their GP. If they do, that gives GPs like me the chance to diagnose chronic lung disease, heart disease and lung cancer, earlier, so more treatment options are available and a better prognosis is achievable."
Dr Hilary Jones (pictured) is supporting the campaign and said:
“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.”
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