Public Health England has launched 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 in the West Midland region, around 3,860 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. 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) and around 199,913 with coronary heart disease.
Earlier diagnosis of these diseases has the potential to save lives. For instance, 83% of people diagnosed with lung cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) will live for at least a year after diagnosis. At the latest stage (stage 4), this drops to 17%. Sadly, around 3,073 die from the disease in the West Midlands each year. Earlier diagnosis can also improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as COPD.
Across England, lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer, accounting for around 28,400 deaths each year, while COPD is the cause of a further 24,000 deaths annually. Coronary heart disease (the main type of heart disease) is the single biggest cause of death, accounting for over 56,000 deaths in England 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.
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.”
Media Medic, Dr Hilary Jones added: “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.”
The nationwide Be Clear on Cancer campaign will begin on Thursday 14 July and run until 16 October. For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, other lung diseases and heart disease, search ‘Be Clear on Cancer’.
