Lung cancer warning: 'Don't ignore persistent cough'

Anyone with a cough that has lasted for three weeks or more should see a doctor, according to a campaign to reduce deaths from lung cancer.

England's biggest cancer killer, it claims 28,000 lives a year, partly because it is often diagnosed too late. The main symptom is a chronic cough, although most instances of this will not be due to cancer.

The Be Clear on Cancer lung cancer campaign is aimed at people over the age of 50, as they are most at risk.

Other symptoms of lung cancer include:

• a cough that has got worse or changes

• repeated chest infections

• coughing up blood

• breathlessness

• feeling more tired than usual for some time

• losing weight for no obvious reason

• an ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "More people die from lung cancer than any other cancer in England, but many people don't know the signs and symptoms that could save their lives.

"The message from this campaign is clear. If you have a persistent cough, go and see your doctor. The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the more likely that treatment will be successful."

bbc.co.uk