Senin, 07 Mei 2012

Lung cancer symptoms: Persistent cough 'could be warning sign'

Lung cancer symptoms: Persistent cough 'could be warning sign'

  • Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the UK and affects 33,000 people in England every year

By Claire Bates

PUBLISHED: 03:27 EST, 7 May 2012 | UPDATED: 05:30 EST, 7 May 2012

Just one in 10 people realise that a persistent cough could be a key symptom of lung cancer, according to statistics released by the Government as it launches a campaign to raise awareness about the disease.

Despite the condition killing more people than any other form of cancer in England, very few people are aware a cough lasting three weeks is a sign of a potential sufferer.

An advertising drive backed by actor Ricky Gervais and TV presenter Jenny Frost will be launched tomorrow in a bid to raise awareness about the issue and improve earlier diagnosis in England.

Ricky Gervais Jenny Frost

Actor Ricky Gervais and singer Jenny Frost are both backing the Government's 'Be Clear on Cancer' campaign, after both lost a parent to lung cancer

It is hoped Be Clear on Cancer campaign will help save around 1,300 lives a year.

Health Minister Paul Burstow said: 'Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in this country but worryingly many people don't know the signs and symptoms that could save their lives.

'The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival.

'The message from this campaign is simple; if you have a persistent cough for three weeks or more, visit your GP.'

Lung cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55.

When diagnosed at its earliest stage, as many as 80 per cent of people are alive five years after diagnosis compared with only seven per cent diagnosed at a late stage.

Alex Ferguson Jenny Frost

Manchester United captain Sir Alex Ferguson lost both his mother and father to lung cancer, while Lynda Bellingham lost her sister

The campaign is being supported by a host of stars, many of whom have been touched personally by the disease. Manchester United captain Sir Alex Ferguson, 70, lost both parents to lung cancer.

He told the Manchester Evening News: 'My father was 66 when he died and my mother was only 64. Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer only a week after he retired and within 12 months it had killed him.

'Then my mum, who had smoked all her life, was diagnosed with lung cancer as well and she passed away a few years after my dad.'

Actor Ricky Gervais, who lost his mother to lung cancer when she was 74, said the condition was 'devastating'.

'It's a horrible, horrible disease,' he said.

Singer Jenny Frost cancelled her wedding in 2010 after her mother Rita succumbed to lung cancer.

Other celebrity supporters include actor Robert Powell, author Tony Parsons and actress Terry Dwyer who lost their fathers and Dragon Duncan Bannatyne who lost his mother. I'm A Celebrity star Stephanie Powers and writer Cassandra Jardine battled the disease themselves.

Alex Ferguson

Campaign backers: Sir Alex Ferguson, Stephanie Powers, Tony Parsons and (bottom row) Linda Robson, Mark Lawrenson and Cassandra Jardine

The campaign follows an awareness-raising pilot in the Midlands in October last year. This showed improved knowledge of lung cancer and increased confidence in recognising the symptoms. There was a 23 per cent increase in attendance to primary care. Based on a sample of trusts, there was an increase in referrals for chest x rays and chest CT scans compared with the same period in the previous year.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Cancer Director for England, said: 'It is vital that cancer patients get treated quickly so they have the best chance of surviving. We have made early diagnosis central to our Cancer Outcomes Strategy.

'Earlier diagnosis of Lung Cancer combined with the best treatments could help save an additional 1,300 lives a year.'

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, added: 'We really hope people will begin to associate a persistent cough as a symptom of lung cancer, the way they associate a lump as a symptom of breast or testicular cancer.'

Jenny Frost

Supporters: Ricky Gervais, Robert Powell, Nilesk Shukla, Lynda Bellingham with (bottom row left to right) Duncan Bannatyne,Tricia Penrose, Jenny Frost and Terri Dwyer


Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Best rated
  • Worst rated

Unfortunatly this statistic seems to spread into the medical community too. i know of two people in my small circle of friends and family who have had a relative die from lung cancer, both of whom were being investigated for lengthy times within the health service, before having a diagnosis made too late. This does not only apply to lung cancer, but a huge variety of cancers. Nicola Sturgeon, our esteamed minister for health and well being (what a joke) is prepared to look people in the eye (me) and lie. So i find it hard to take anything she says as credible. So maybe we should start with educating the Doctors who are fobbing off people with all kinds of ,what eventually turns out to be, cancer on the early signs and symptoms, then maybe cancer survivial would increase.

Report abuse

All well and good to be told to see your GP. - Try getting an X Ray / Scan - Usually you are fobbed off with taking pills. - Not all of us can afford private health plans

Report abuse

People simply will not learn that smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. My Father smoked and smoked until he damaged his lungs so much that he could not smoke. He then got knocked down and left by a hit and run driver. This accident was said to have started off Lung Cancer which he died from. However was this actually due to this accident or the damage done to his lungs by smoking. Smoking is also a risk to childen's lung health, but worse than that seeing their parents who smoke they then take up the habit, so parents who smoke are putting their childrens life in jeopordy one way or another, so give it up as the Government are reaping the benefits in taxes out of your ill health. In turn lead a healthy example to your children. When you end up with lung cancer you will wish you had took this advice.

Report abuse

I lost my dear husband in January 2007 after he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. He never had a cough but was losing his voice. Our GP referred him to an ear nose and throat Specialist in September 2006 who blamed his vocal chords and gave him a nasal spray.The Macmillon Nurses gave us literature and one of the main symptoms is losing the voice. Please can you make people aware as I think it is important.He was oonly diagnosed 6 weeks before he died.

Report abuse

what % are smokers ??

Report abuse

I had to wait three years before my GP would agree to fund a chest x-ray for my persistent cough. I am pleased to say the x-ray result was clear. The cause of the cough was later connected with inter-mast feedback from a nearby mobile phone mast. The mast in question was emitting a low frequency electromagnetic beam which passed through my house. This beam seemed to be interfering with my general physiology. On moving to another part of the country (no where near masts), my cough completely cleared within a week. I am still cough free to this day.

Report abuse

My mother died of lung cancer, there are several different types and with her type it didn't show symptoms until it had spread to other organs (almost every vital organ in her case). By the time she was diagnosed she only had 2 months to live. Horrendous disease.

Report abuse

This is i your doctor actually bothers to run the necessary tests... 5 months after having a persistent cough and after being seen by 3 useless doctors who said I had : First asthma (just by listening to my chest) and prescribed me codeine and an inhaler, when this didn't resolve it I saw a 2nd doctor who said it was the winter, everyone has a cough, get over it... and a 3rd one who said it must be some kind of bacterial infection and gave me antibiotics... I had to change Practice and finally after many months managed to find a Dr who was willing to listen to me and get some x-rays of my chest and some breathing capacity tests.... but the NHS being the NHS haven't had my results yet... I am grateful for the NHS, I really am, but lets not forget it isn't FREE we do pay for it with our taxes....There's no wonder people go private, sadly not everyone can afford it...

Report abuse

Sadly diagnosis depends on the GP ,first port of call.Many cases are fobbed off with antibiotics etc are made to feel a nuiscance if they re-visit GP. Hopefully with this campaign patients will insist on testing.

Report abuse

I saw Tricia Penrose and her mother interviewed on Daybreak. It seems to me in this case her GP was at fault as she had obviously had a consultation and been given antibiotics. The GP should have made sure she came back for further investigation if the cough had persisted. Most of us are sensible enough to see our doctors but how many times do we hear of them ignoring worrying signs and symptoms? I think it is the medical profession these ads should be aimed at too. It is the GP we pay to look for signs of cancer etc. and get us treated for these diseases.

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Diposting oleh di

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

Langganan: Posting Komentar (Atom)