People in the North East who have had a cough for three weeks or more are being encouraged to contact their GP practice and come forward for life-saving checks, as part of an NHS campaign.

The Help Us, Help You campaign from NHS England uses TV, radio, online adverts and social media to increase knowledge of the key symptom of lung cancer. The ads feature people with a persistent cough and aim to encourage people experiencing this to contact their GP practice.

NHS data shows that more than 2,600 people in the North East are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.

Dr Jonathan Slade, Medical Director (System Improvement and Professional Standards) for the NHS North East and Yorkshire region, said the newly launched campaign reminds people with a long-standing cough, and their loved ones, not to be complacent, and encourages them to get checked out.

“A cough is a common symptom for many things, but when you have an unexplained cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks or more it can be a sign of cancer,” said Dr Slade, who is a GP in the North East.

“Whenever anyone notices anything unusual about their bodies that they’re worried could be cancer, it’s vital they take action by contacting their GP practice for further advice.

“In most cases it will not be caused by anything to worry about. However, if it does turn out to be cancer – the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Many cancers are now curable if caught early which is why it is so important to get checked out. Remember, your NHS wants to see you.”

In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:

• chest infections that keep coming back,
• coughing up blood,
• a long-standing cough that gets worse,
• an ache or pain when breathing or coughing,
• persistent breathlessness,
• persistent tiredness or lack of energy,
• loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.

For more information on signs and symptoms of cancer visit the NHS website.