Know the signs of lung disease

PUBLIC Health England (PHE) has urged Halton to see their doctor if they have had a cough for more than three weeks or breathlessness because they could indicate lung disease or cancer.

It added that running out of breath easily could also be heart disease.

Public Health England warned that there were 107 lung cancer cases and 107 deaths due to the condition in Halton in 2015.

It added that there were 5,434 residents registered as having coronary heart disease in 2011-15, and 3,393 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during 2015-16, according to latest data.

It said that lung and heart disease cause more than 150,000 deaths every year in England.

The agency has launched its Be Clear On Cancer campaign in the North West urging residents to see a doctor if they display symptoms because early diagnosis can save lives and boost quality of life.

The initiative is aimed at men and women aged 50 and above as these are most at risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart disease.

Public Health England also hopes that the campaign will encourage residents to look out for friends and family and encourage them to visit their general practitioner if they have symptoms.

The call came as a survey found that adults over 50 in the North West are more likely to urge others to see the doctor than go themselves:

Dr Graham Wardman, of Public Health England, said: “We would like to see earlier diagnosis of these conditions across the region. “Recognising the symptoms of these diseases and going to the doctor promptly can lead to an earlier diagnosis when these conditions are more treatable.

“Coughing for three weeks or more or becoming breathless doing things you used to be able to do, could be a sign of something serious, so it is important to get them checked out.”

Be Clear On Cancer runs until August 31.