‘Help Us, Help You’ National Cancer Campaign – Lung Cancer Phase 18th September – 22nd October 2023

NHS England is currently re-running ‘Help Us, Help You’ national cancer campaign activity to tackle barriers to timely presentation. The latest phase focuses on lung cancer symptoms. The campaign aims to increase knowledge of the key symptom of lung cancer – a cough that lasts for three weeks or more. The campaign will encourage those who have this symptom to contact their GP practice.

 

When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is more likely to be successful. However, there are low levels of awareness that a persistent cough on its own can be a sign of lung cancer. Previous campaigns have demonstrated a positive effect increasing both symptom knowledge and intention to act across the campaign. These measures drop when activity is off air, therefore there’s a need to remind the audience to act on a persistent cough and not wait to see if it resolves.

 

The campaign targets men and women over the age of 60, as lung cancer mainly affects older people, and particularly those from C2DE socio-economic groups, because cancer survival is lower amongst these audiences. The campaign will also target friends and family members to ensure they are clear on the symptom and can encourage loved ones to contact their GP practice if they have had a cough lasting three weeks or more.

 

The lung cancer phase of the ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign will run from 18 September until 22 October.

 

Key Messages

  • If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, it could be a warning sign.
  • If a friend or family member has been coughing for three weeks or more, encourage them to contact their GP practice.
  • In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:
    • Chest infections that keep coming back
    • Coughing up blood
    • A long-standing cough that gets worse
    • An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
    • Persistent breathlessness
    • Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
    • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives.

 

For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to http://nhs.uk/cancersymptoms