People across Blackburn with Darwen are being urged to be more aware of the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
NHS Blackburn with Darwen has launched a new campaign called “Lung Cancer –Get if Off Your Chest”.
Lung cancer claims the lives of around 90 people per year in Blackburn with Darwen, which is about 50 per cent higher than the national average for both males and females
“Lung Cancer – Get it off your Chest” aims to raise awareness of the signs and increase earlier detection of the disease by encouraging people from across the region to speak to their doctor if they develop one or more common signs.
The campaign asks people to visit their GP if they have experienced a persistent cough, a change in a cough or an unexplained shortness of breath for three weeks or more.
The six-week campaign, which launched on June 20 and is funded by the Department of Health and supported by Cancer Research UK, will include advertising and local community activity to raise awareness of the key signs to watch out for and encourage people to report symptoms sooner.
In Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn Healthy Living Centre is working with NHS Blackburn with Darwen and the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network to promote the Lung Cancer Campaign through a range of local events over the next six weeks.
Workers will also be out in Shadsworth with Whitebirk and Audley wards to raise awareness of the campaign and its key messages between June 23-26.
Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health for NHS Blackburn with Darwen, said: “Spotting early signs and symptoms of what could be lung cancer and getting these checked out by a doctor can mean that the disease is diagnosed more quickly. Chances are it isn’t cancer, but it’s important to get checked out, just to make sure. When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage then treatment is more likely to be effective with a better chance of long-term survival.”
Dr Chris Clayton, chair of the executive board of the shadow GP consortia, added: “To stand the best chances of survival from lung cancer it is vital that we catch it as early as possible, so if you are suffering from any of the warning signs such as a cough lasting longer than three weeks, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or weight loss please make an appointment to discuss this with your family doctor or nurse."
“Lung Cancer – Get it off your Chest” is a collaboration between five local PCTs including NHS Central Lancashire, NHS Blackburn with Darwen, NHS East Lancashire, NHS Blackpool and NHS North Lancashire, working in partnership with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network.
The collaboration, part of the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative, has received £500,000 funding from the Department of Health. It is part of a broader programme of work to improve cancer outcomes which includes local activity across 59 projects throughout England.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Health Information, said: “The projects taking place across the country - like this one in Blackburn with Darwen provide opportunities not only to raise awareness and prompt earlier presentation but to give crucial information for the future about what works to make people take note and act.
“When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment are better. So by working towards earlier diagnosis of cancer, we should help make our cancer survival rates amongst the best in the world.”
For further information about the “Lung Cancer – Get it off your Chest” campaign visit www.cancerlancashire.org.uk or call Keith Swindell, Project Facilitator on 01772 647060
