Act on lung cancer symptoms

NHS Lanarkshire is urging residents over 40 to act if they have lung cancer symptoms.

The local health board is encouraging people who have tested negative for Covid-19, but have a persistent new or different cough for three weeks or more, to seek medical advice.

National statistics, released as part of the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign, show around 25 per cent fewer lung cancers are being diagnosed now, compared to pre-coronavirus

The NHS board highlighted that those aged 40 and over should not put off contacting their GP practice if they have any possible cancer symptoms.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland, with around 5000 people diagnosed each year.

However, more can be done to treat the disease if it’s found at an early stage – and recently published cancer survival statistics show improvements in fiveyear survival rates for both men and women (2.3 per cent and 5.1 percent respectively).

Dr Jennifer Gibson, Macmillan GP facilitator for cancer and palliative care, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “In Scotland, lung cancer is the most common cancer.

“The earlier it is 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 they are needed.”

For more information on acting on lung cancer symptoms, visit getcheckedearly.org.