Don’t ignore a cough, says NHS chief

NHS Lanarkshire’s medical director has stressed the importance of people getting checked if they’ve had a cough for three weeks or more.

Dr Iain Wallace urged those who have a persistent cough, or have noticed someone with the symptom, not to delay seeing their GP – stressing that they won’t be wasting anyone’s time.

The campaign encourages those with the symptom to get checked by their GP sooner rather than later as the earlier lung cancer is found, the easier it is to treat and the higher the chance of survival.

He said: “If your cough has lasted more than three weeks and has changed or got worse, then visit your GP.

“It may be nothing serious but it does need to be checked as a persistent cough, along with other symptoms such as breathlessness and chest or shoulder pain, could be a potential sign of lung cancer.

“The earlier lung cancer is found the easier it is to treat. The sooner we see you, the quicker we can help.”

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Scotland. However, thanks to advances in treatment and increased rates of early detection, more people than ever in Scotland are surviving lung cancer – 250 more a year compared to 25 years ago.