Don't ignore a persistent cough, ask NHS chiefs

A national lung cancer campaign, "Be clear on Cancer", is running from May 8 until July 1 and aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor.
The primary care trust is urging people to visit their GP if they have had a cough for three weeks or more as it could be a sign of lung cancer.
Public health director for NHS Berkshire West, Janet Maxwell, said: "Cancer is not a death sentence as it’s commonly believed.
"If caught early, cancer is treatable and early diagnosis is extremely important with lung cancer.
"Therefore, if you have had a cough for the past three weeks or more, do visit your GP to get checked out."
Lung cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55.
Ms Maxwell, added: "Sadly some patients don’t act on worrying symptoms for months and do not visit their GP.
"It’s very straightforward for your GP to examine you and determine whether to send you for further tests.
"If your GP wants to exclude the possibility of lung cancer, you will see a specialist within two weeks and they will then arrange for further tests and, if necessary, treatment.
"You will either get reassurance that it isn’t lung cancer, or you will find out that it is and have a better chance of survival.”