Listen to your body.

Act now on cancer.

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 49,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is also the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about 21% of all cancer deaths in the UK. In Lancashire and South Cumbria, lung cancer remains a significant health challenge and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the region. Lung cancer incidence in Lancashire is 20% higher than the England average.

The earlier lung cancer is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be. Smoking is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK, but around 15% of lung cancers are not associated with smoking; it is always important to get symptoms checked by your GP no matter whether you are a smoker, used to smoke, or have never smoked. If you smoke, stopping completely is the best thing you can do for your health. The NHS is here to help you stop – speak to your pharmacist or GP, or visit: NHS Smokefree 

Have you noticed a change in your body? In particular, have you noticed:

  • A persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or more
  • Changes to an existing cough (especially coughing up blood)
  • Repeat chest infections or chest infections that haven’t improved after having treatment
  • Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm (spit)
  • Feeling breathless for no reason
  • Losing weight and/or loss of appetite
  • A cough that changes or gets worse
  • Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
  • Chest or shoulder pain

If so, get it checked right away.

Listen to your body and book a doctor’s appointment. Your doctor will want to see you if you have any of the above symptoms.

Even if it’s not cancer (and most times it isn’t), your doctor will want to check it out. Reaching out to your doctor now can give you peace of mind, and catching any problem early makes all the difference.

Getting an appointment

You can make an appointment…

  • By calling the surgery where you are registered.
  • Through the website at some surgeries.
  • Via the NHS England app or the NHS Wales app for some surgeries in England and Wales.
  • Find out more on the NHS website (including how to register at a GP practice if you are not already)

Need help talking to your doctor about your symptoms?

Download or print the Red Card prompt card to take with you to your GP appointment. Click here for prompt card.

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Want to do more? Visit our campaign downloads page for extra resources designed for partners, clinicians and advocates. You’ll find print-ready materials, social media graphics and campaign downloads to help spread the message further.