We’re proud to be supporting the Do It For Yourself campaign as part of a coalition which aims to raise awareness of the signs of lung cancer and encourage the people of County Durham to contact their GP if they’ve been experiencing a cough or ongoing breathlessness for three weeks or more.
This year, we’ve become a nation of DIYers with more of us taking care of our homes, whether it is a rattling boiler, a leaky tap, or a washing machine that has stopped spinning. But when it comes to our health, when we notice something isn’t right, like a cough that’s been going on for a long time, rather than getting on with things, we can bury our heads in the sand.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK accounting for 13% of all cancer cases. Covid-19 has had a big impact on early diagnosis, with a reported drop in lung cancer referrals in some areas.
Not every cough is a COVID Cough; having a cough for three weeks or more or getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do easily, could be signs of lung cancer. At County Durham CCG we know that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more treatment options are available.
So, if you are concerned about a persistent cough or lack of breath don’t delay, contact your GP today. The NHS is open and has introduced a range of measures to see patients safely, such as initial phone consultations and frequent hand sanitising. GPs across County Durham are ready and waiting to hear from you.
If you have been impacted by lung cancer and want to share your story to help spread the message, then please get in touch. And, if you’re experiencing symptoms, contact your GP and ‘Do it For Yourself.’