Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is urging local people to look out for early symptoms of lung cancer during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout November, to reinforce the message that leaving it too late to seek help could mean the difference between life and death.

38,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK each year.  Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer – killing more Britons than leukaemia, breast, prostate and bladder cancer combined.

The early signs and symptoms are:

• A cough that doesn’t go away after two to three weeks
• Worsening of a long-standing cough
• Persistent chest infections
• Coughing blood
• Unexplained persistent breathlessness
• Unexplained persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Unexplained persistent weight loss
• Persistent chest and / or shoulder pain

These symptoms may not be serious, in which case, there is nothing to lose by getting them checked out. If they are serious, there is everything to gain - diagnosis at an early stage could save your life.

Non-smokers can get lung cancer too, but smoking is still the major cause. The good news is that quitting works. It’s never too late to give up, and the sooner you stop the better. Even if you have been smoking for most of your life, your chances of developing lung cancer will be much less if you give up now, whatever your age.

People who are concerned are urged to see their GP if they're concerned they have any symptoms of lung cancer or visit the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre based in the hospital.

Harriet Backhouse, Macmillan Lung Cancer Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Milton Keynes Hospital, said: “Rates of death from lung cancer in Milton Keynes are significantly higher than the rates for England and Wales for all people aged less than 75. In 2006 there were 92 deaths from lung cancer in Milton Keynes – of these 54 % were in people less than 75 years of age.

“Lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer. For the majority of those diagnosed, their disease is inoperable because it has been noticed too late. If they got to the doctor earlier they could have been operated on and for many, their lives could have been saved. We hope by providing information and support to people with concerns we will help increase early diagnosis and save lives.”

Global Lung Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of lung cancer by 

•  Informing and educating the public – particularly those at risk – about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
• Raising awareness among health professionals, particularly GPs and pharmacists about the possible diagnosis of lung cancer.