The Be Clear on Cancer roadshow, part of a new Public Health England campaign, will be visiting the Bullring in Birmingham on Wednesday 17 August and Thursday 18 August to raise awareness that a persistent cough, or getting out of breath doing everyday things, such as vacuuming or walking up a short flight of stairs, could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease. The event will encourage anyone who notices these symptoms to visit their GP as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
At the events, leaflets will be distributed that provide information on lung disease, including lung cancer, and heart disease. A nurse will also be on hand to talk to anyone who has any questions.
To ensure as many people as possible visiting Birmingham are aware of the symptoms of these conditions, campaign messages will be appearing throughout the Bullring, prompting people to visit their GP if they have a cough for three weeks or more or notice they get out of breath doing things they used to be able to do.
The most recent data reveals that in the West Midlands region, around 3,860 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and around 108,367 people have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). Around 199,913 have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Early diagnosis of these conditions has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with long-term conditions, such as COPD. The earlier heart disease is diagnosed the better - treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chance of a heart attack.
Dr Lola Abudu, director for Health and Wellbeing at PHE West Midlands, said: “If lung cancer, lung disease or heart disease is diagnosed early, they 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 in England.
“Current figures show there are around 199,913 people in the region with coronary heart disease (CHD), while 108,367 people are managing the effects of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Each year in the West Midlands something like 3,860 people are diagnosed with lung cancer, while around 3,073 people will lose their life to the disease.
“It is vital that people go to the doctor as soon as they think something may be wrong, as early diagnosis makes all of these conditions more treatable. If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more or if you get out of breath doing things you used to be able to do – like vacuuming or mowing the lawn – it could be a sign of lung or heart disease, or even lung cancer. So don’t ignore it, go and see your doctor.”
Chris Bail, a 65 year old semi-retired vehicle delivery driver and father of two from Birmingham, was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2007, aged 56. He first realised there was a problem when having a laugh with people at work.
Chris said: “I knew very little about lung cancer before I had it. I’ve always led a really active lifestyle and stayed slim, so never thought something like this would happen to me. I was really surprised when one of the lads was mimicking me and he made a coughing noise – I had no idea that I had been making that noise, let alone doing it for months.”
Chris told his family what had happened at work and with their encouragement, despite rarely going to the doctor, decided to visit his GP to get it checked out. The doctor recommended that Chris have an X-ray to rule out the possibility of lung cancer. Days later Chris was referred to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham and asked to return 48 hours later for a CAT scan. The day after the scan Chris had an appointment with the consultant who diagnosed early stage lung cancer.
Just one month on from being diagnosed, in August 2007, Chris was back in Heartlands Hospital undergoing surgery to remove the middle and lower part of his right lung. Following a successful operation, he then received a follow-up course of chemotherapy. Chris has now been in remission for nine years and leads a normal life.
Chris said: “Don’t assume the worst if you have a persistent cough, but definitely go to your GP for a chat about it. If my daughter hadn’t told me to get myself checked out, I doubt I would have gone. Even if you just go to your GP to get your mind put at rest, it’s not wasting their time, they’d want to know. If it is something serious, the earlier you find it, the more likely your treatment will be successful.”
