First national Be Clear on Cancer campaign to raise awareness of symptoms of lung cancer, lung disease and heart disease begins.
Around 1.7 million people could be living with undiagnosed lung cancer, lung disease or heart disease; all leading causes of death in England.
Public Health England (PHE) on 14 July 2016 launched a new nationwide ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign with the aim of raising awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer, other lung disease, and heart disease; all leading causes of death in England.
It is estimated that there are around:
- 80,000 undiagnosed cases of lung cancer
- 1 million cases of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis)
- 600,000 undiagnosed cases of coronary heart disease.
These diseases are all leading causes of death in England. Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer, accounting for around 28,400 deaths each year, while COPD is the cause of a further 24,000 deaths. Coronary heart disease (the main type of heart disease) is the single biggest cause of death, accounting for over 56,000 deaths in England each year. Earlier diagnosis of these diseases has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as COPD.
A sign of lung cancer or other lung diseases could be:
- a persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)
- getting out of breath while doing everyday tasks such as vacuuming
Breathlessness could also be a sign of heart disease as well. The campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to see their GP. Finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
The campaign is aimed at men and women aged 50 and over, as older people are most at risk of lung cancer, COPD and heart disease. It will build on the success of the previous Be Clear on Cancer lung cancer campaigns and a regional breathlessness pilot (which focused on lung and heart disease), making this the first national campaign of its kind to raise awareness of these conditions jointly.
Around 36,500 people in England are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Currently, there are also approximately 1 million people who have been diagnosed with COPD and around 1.8 million who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Professor Kevin Fenton, PHE National Director for Health and Wellbeing said: The estimated number of people with undiagnosed lung cancer, lung disease or heart disease, is deeply concerning. If diagnosed early, these diseases can be managed and treated successfully. This campaign will help people recognise the symptoms and encourage them to seek help, potentially saving lives from what are 3 of the biggest causes of death in England.
Professor Chris Harrison, the National Clinical Director for Cancer for NHS England commented:
People don’t always realise the significance and potential severity of their symptoms and may dismiss them as an inevitable part of ageing or their lifestyle, which is why this campaign is so important. Evidence shows that Be Clear on Cancer campaigns really do make a difference. Early diagnosis of cancer is absolutely critical to improving survival and is a main focus for the NHS.
Jane Ellison, Minister for Public Health said: It’s crucial that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of these diseases. Sadly, diagnosis often comes too late, which can have a devastating impact on those living with any of these conditions, as well as those close to them. The more people we can encourage to get their symptoms checked, the more likely they are to be diagnosed earlier and treated successfully.
Media Medic, Dr Hilary Jones added: People may put off visiting their GP for a number of reasons. Some may not realise a symptom like a persistent cough or getting out of breath doing things that you used to be able to do could be a sign of something serious, or they may be fearful of what they will find out, or even worry about wasting their GP’s time. These symptoms may well be nothing to worry about, but if it is something serious then the sooner it’s diagnosed, the better the chances of treating it effectively. Anyone who has either of these symptoms should visit their GP. Don’t worry about wasting our time, we want to see you.
The nationwide Be Clear on Cancer campaign begins on Thursday 14 July and run until 16 October. For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, lung disease and heart disease, search ‘Be Clear on Cancer’.
