Lung disease is rife in Greater Manchester
New Be Clear on Cancer roadshow visits the Arndale Centre to raise awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer, lung disease and heart disease.
The Be Clear on Cancer roadshow, part of a new Public Health England campaign, will be visiting the Arndale Shopping Centre on Wednesday 17 August and Thursday 18 August to raise awareness that a persistent cough, or getting out of breath doing everyday things, such as vacuuming or walking up a short flight of stairs, could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease. Breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease. The event will encourage anyone who notices these symptoms to visit their GP, as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
At the events, leaflets will be distributed that provide information on lung disease, including lung cancer, and heart disease. A nurse will also be on hand to talk to anyone who has any questions.
To ensure as many people as possible in Manchester are aware of the symptoms of these conditions, campaign messages will be appearing throughout the Arndale Shopping Centre prompting people to visit their GP if they have a cough for three weeks or more or notice they get out of breath doing things they used to be able to do.
The most recent data reveals that in Greater Manchester around 2,320 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year and around 65,250 people have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a common form of lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). round 101,530 people have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Early diagnosis of these conditions has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life of those living with long-term conditions, such as COPD. The earlier heart disease is diagnosed the better - treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chance of a heart attack.
Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, Deputy Director, Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England North West said:
“The roadshow is a really great opportunity for people visiting the Arndale to stop off and get information or chat to a nurse about their concerns. Whether they have had a persistent cough, or find themselves getting out of breath doing everyday things, such as vacuuming or walking up a short flight of stairs, it could be a sign of lung cancer or other lung disease. We know that breathlessness can also be a sign of heart disease and we hope that the roadshow will encourage anyone who notices these symptoms to visit their GP as finding these conditions early makes them more treatable.
“We know that if diagnosed early, these diseases can be managed and treated successfully.
“Sadly figures show that across the North West people are dying because they leave it too late to visit their GP or ignore early symptoms of these diseases. It may be nothing to worry about but if something is serious then the sooner it is diagnosed the better. If you are in the shopping centre please pop along and have a chat and get any information you may need.”
The nationwide Be Clear on Cancer campaign is running until October 16th.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, other lung diseases and heart disease, search ‘Be Clear on Cancer’.