Coughing lung cancer campaign launched
Published on 09 May 2012 10:30 AM
A new campaign to raise awareness of lung cancer has been launched by the coalition Government.
The initiative comes after statistics showed that barely one in 10 people are aware that a persistent cough could be a symptom of the illness, which kills more people in Britain each year than any other form of cancer.
Entitled Be Clear on Cancer, the new campaign will be backed up by adverts starring Ricky Gervais and Lynda Bellingham and hopes to encourage more people to check their own symptoms with a doctor.
Despite the dangers of the disease, 80% of patients who spot the illness in its early stages are still alive five years after diagnosis.
Commenting on the launch, Health Minister Paul Burstow said: 'Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in this country, but worryingly many people don't know the signs and symptoms.
'The message from this campaign is simple; if you have a persistent cough for three weeks or more, visit your GP.'
Copyright Press Association 2012