Lung cancer roadshow

A nationwide government campaign to raise awareness that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer takes to the road in Rochdale this week. The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ coughing roadshow will be at The Exchange Shopping Centre on 6 and 7 June.

Lung cancer affects 33,000 people each year with 1731 cases in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55. In Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale there are around 135 deaths a year but more lives can be saved if lung cancer is spotted and diagnosed early.

When lung cancer is 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.

Data has shown that only one in 10 people know that a persistent cough for three weeks or more could be a symptom of lung cancer2 and if dealt with early could save their life.

Despite the disease killing more people than any other form of cancer in England, this symptom fares worse in public awareness compared to knowledge of other cancer signs:

• 69 per cent are aware of looking out for a lump (breast or testicular cancer)
• 31 per cent know that bleeding could be a sign of cancer (bowel, kidney or bladder)
• 25 per cent know that a change in the appearance of a mole should also prompt a check-up (skin cancer)

At the ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ shopping centre stand, a nurse will be on hand to talk in more depth with anyone who’s worried about a cough and give advice on visiting their GP.

Care Services 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 chances of survival.

“I’d like to encourage people to go along to the roadshow where nurses will be on hand to answer any questions about lung cancer.”

Nandu Patel, a nurse who will be at the Rochdale roadshow, said: “We’re going to be at the event in Rochdale to help raise awareness that a cough for three weeks or more could be a sign of lung cancer. Many lives could be saved in Rochdale so it’s important for people to come down to the event, find out more about the symptoms of lung cancer and visit their GP if they’re worried.”