The Help Us Help You campaign is aimed at those at the highest risk of developing the disease, especially people aged 60 and over and people who are reluctant to see their doctor. We are going to remind people that lung cancer is the biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in England and the fifth biggest cause of death overall, with more than 26,000 patients dying from the condition in 2021. Symptoms include: persistent shortness of breath, chest infections that keep coming back, coughing up blood and loss of appetite. Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer, said: “For lung cancer, we have not seen referrals come back at the same rate as other cancers. “It’s vital that people stay alert to suspected lung cancer symptoms, so if you have a persistent cough or shortness of breath, don’t ignore it or assume it’s something else, see your doctor and get it checked out – it probably won’t be cancer, but catching it early can save lives.” Health Secretary Steve Barclay added: “We know that the earlier you catch cancer, the better your chances of survival, and the Help Us Help You initiative enables people to come forward for screening – particularly for lung cancer, which is the leading cause of death from cancer in England. “I want to thank everyone who continues to take part in this life-saving campaign, which aims to increase the number of cancer patients diagnosed at earlier stages from half to three-quarters by 2028. “If you have any of the key symptoms identified by the NHS, I urge you to see your doctor without delay for a check-up – early diagnosis is absolutely vital to beating this disease.” Additional report from PA
