UK government launches lung cancer awareness campaign
pharmafile | May 8, 2012 | News story | Medical Communications | Cancer, UK, government, lung
The UK government has launched a new lung cancer awareness campaign backed by a number of celebrities.
Ricky Gervais and Sir Alex Ferguson are among those backing the government’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign.
This aims to increase awareness of the key symptoms of lung cancer and improve earlier diagnosis in the UK.
New data reveals that only one in 10 people know that a persistent cough for three weeks or more could be a symptom of lung cancer.
This new research was conducted via face-to-face interviews last year with over a thousand people aged 55 years and over.
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 chance of survival.
“The message from this campaign is simple; if you have a persistent cough for three weeks or more, visit your GP.”
The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign is launched today and will see new adverts – fronted by GPs – in TV, radio, print and online media.
The adverts will urge anyone who has had a cough for three weeks or more to visit their doctor.
GPs, practice managers and pharmacists have been given information about the campaign to help prepare for and support it.
Celebrity endorsement
The new campaign is receiving widespread support from prominent sporting, TV, political and media personalities, many of whom have been touched by the disease in some way.
Several high profile individuals including Ricky Gervais, Sir Alex Ferguson, Duncan Bannatyne, Lynda Bellingham and Linda Robson have lent their support by participating in a photography exhibition holding x-ray images of healthy lungs.
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% of people are alive five years after diagnosis, compared with only 7% diagnosed at a late stage.
British actor and comedian, Ricky Gervais, whose mother died of lung cancer at the age of 74, said: “It’s devastating when you see someone you love dying from lung cancer. It’s a horrible, horrible disease.
“My mother’s death was very sudden and you can’t help wondering if things would have been different had it been spotted earlier. If you’ve had a bad cough for three weeks and you can’t get rid of it, just make an appointment with your GP today.”
Ben Adams
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