By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 14:43, Wednesday, 09 May 2012

A lung cancer campaign originally piloted in Cumbria is now being rolled out across the north west.

It targets those with a cough that lasts for three weeks, aiming to improve earlier diagnosis rates in the region.

New data reveals that only one in 10 people know that a persistent cough could be a symptom of lung cancer and that if it’s dealt with early it could save their life.

Despite the disease killing more people than any other form of cancer in England, this symptom fares worse in public awareness compared to knowledge of other cancer signs.

An awareness campaign took to the streets on Cumbria back in 2010. It was funded by £125,000 of NHS cash.

Now a similar initiative is being launched nationally, which will include a big push across the north west.

Lung cancer affects 33,000 people nationally each year with almost 6,000 cases in the north west region.

The majority of cases occur in people over the age of 55. Across the region there are around 5,000 deaths a year but more lives could be saved if spotted and diagnosed early.

When diagnosed at its earliest stage, as many as 80 per cent of people are alive five years after diagnosis compared with only seven per cent diagnosed at a late stage.

The campaign has been backed by celebrities including Manchester United football boss Sir Alex Ferguson who lost both of his parents to lung cancer.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow announced the campaign, which will include television, radio, print and online advertisements, yesterday.

He said: “Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in this country but worryingly many people don’t know the signs and symptoms that could save their lives. The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival.

“The message from this campaign is simple; if you have a persistent cough for three weeks or more, visit your GP.”

First published at 11:26, Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk