Event to advise on the signs of cancer

PEOPLE will be urged to learn the signs and symptoms of lung cancer at an event next month.

The lung health event, in Coalville on Tuesday, June 20, has been arranged by NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with the East Midlands Cancer Alliance (EMCA), GP practices and other health organisations.

It will take place in Morrisons’ car park, Whitwick Road, between 10am and 2pm.

Dr Ben Noble, a GP and clinical lead for EMCA, said: “We’re keen to increase the diagnoses of lung problems in North West Leicestershire as there will be a number of people living with symptoms which could be improved by treatment.

“Lung cancer itself causes more deaths in the UK than any other cancer and the symptoms can often be difficult to spot.

“However, early diagnosis results in much better outcomes.”

At the event, people will be able to step inside an inflatable lung to find out more about respiratory illnesses, get support to give up smoking and speak to a GP about any lung problems.

The signs of lung cancer include:

■■A cough for three weeks or more; ■■Coughing up blood;

■■Persistent chest pain;

■■Unexplained weight loss;

■■Loss of appetite;

■■Breathlessness;

■■Recurring chest infections;

■■Unexplained tiredness.

Dr Noble said: “If you have symptoms, it is important to get checked out straight away.

“It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable.”

Martin Rimes, 62, from Coalville, has been living with lung cancer for seven years,

He said: “I was diagnosed after experiencing chest pain, but by that time it had spread from my lungs.

“I hadn’t been feeling right for quite some time before that. If I had gone to my GP practice sooner, it would have been much easier to treat.

“I feel very fortunate to have found a treatment that is working and y lung cancer is now stable.

“I would encourage anyone who isn’t feeling themselves to book an appointment at their GP practice.

“It might be nothing to worry about but, if it is cancer, you have a better chance of being able to do something about it if it is caught early.”