NHS Lanarkshire is supporting the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign, reminding people aged over 40 of the potential signs of lung cancer, while reinforcing the fact that cancer remains a priority throughout the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Statistics show that 25% fewer lung cancers are being diagnosed, compared to pre-Covid-19.
Advice to stay at home, anxiety around potential infection and the crossover symptoms of Covid-19 – such as a persistent cough – is believed to have contributed to people delaying seeking help.
Key messages:
- If you are aged 40 or over and have tested negative for Covid-19, but still have a new or different persistent cough for more than three weeks, seek advice from your general practice;
- The earlier lung cancer is found the better and a lot can be done to treat it;
- So don’t be put off contacting your GP practice, they want to hear from you.
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland, with around 5,000 people diagnosed each year, however, more can be done to treat the disease if it is found at an early stage.
Dr Jennifer Gibson, Macmillan GP facilitator for cancer and palliative care at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “In Scotland, lung cancer is the most common cancer. The earlier it’s diagnosed the better, as treatment is more successful at earlier stages. Not everyone with a cough has cancer, but a persistent or changing cough may need checked out.
“If you are aged over 40 and have a persistent new cough, or a change in your usual cough, lasting three weeks or more, and especially if you have tested negative for Covid-19, contact your GP practice.
“GP practices are working differently at the moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic so it is likely that you will speak to a healthcare professional by phone in the first instance and they will organise further tests for you if needed.”
Below is a list of other symptoms that if you have, you should contact your GP practice about. Having one or more of these doesn’t mean you have lung cancer.
However, if you’ve had them for more than three weeks you shouldn’t ignore them – contact your GP practice to be on the safe side.
- a cough you’ve had for 3 weeks or more
- a cough you’ve had for a long time that’s got worse or changes
- feeling breathless for no reason
- a chest infection that doesn’t clear up
Especially if these symptoms are accompanied by:
- coughing blood
- unexplained weight loss
- chest or shoulder pain
- unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
- a hoarse voice
For more information, visit www.getcheckedearly.org
